Coming off two strong showings in the last two World Cup editions, Croatia will rely on a deeply experienced squad and the guidance of head coach Zlatko Dalić. Croatia qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in dominant fashion, topping Group L in UEFA qualifying with 22 points to claim one of the 16 European places. It is familiar territory for a nation now reaching its seventh World Cup, following a remarkable run that brought a third-place finish in 2022 and a final appearance in 2018.
The squad is led by captain Luka Modrić, who holds the record for the most appearances for Croatia with 196 caps. At 40, the legendary midfielder will likely feature in the final World Cup of his career and hopes to cap Croatia's golden era with one more unforgettable performance on football's biggest stage. Other key figures include veterans Ivan Perišić, Mario Pašalić, and Andrej Kramarić. Manchester City defender Joško Gvardiol, who suffered a broken shin earlier this year, has recovered in time for the tournament.
One of the biggest surprises is the inclusion of defender Luka Vušković, born in 2007 and regarded as one of the brightest young talents in Croatian football.
Croatia have been drawn into a group with England, Panama, and Ghana. They open their campaign on June 17 against England at AT&T Stadium, one of the most anticipated matches of the group stage. Five days later, they face Panama at BMO Field in Toronto, Canada. They conclude the group stage against Ghana at Lincoln Financial Field on June 27.
Croatia 2026 World Cup Squad:
Goalkeepers: Dominik Livaković (Dinamo Zagreb), Dominik Kotarski (Copenhagen), Ivor Pandur (Hull City)
Defenders: Joško Gvardiol (Manchester City), Duje Ćaleta-Car (Real Sociedad), Josip Šutalo (Ajax), Josip Stanišić (Bayern Munich), Marin Pongračić (Fiorentina), Martin Erlić (Midtjylland), Luka Vušković (Hamburger SV)
Midfielders: Luka Modrić (AC Milan), Mateo Kovačić (Manchester City), Mario Pašalić (Atalanta), Nikola Vlašić (Torino), Luka Sučić (Real Sociedad), Martin Baturina (Como), Kristijan Jakić (Augsburg), Petar Sučić (Inter Milan), Nikola Moro (Bologna), Toni Fruk (Rijeka)
Forwards: Ivan Perišić (PSV Eindhoven), Andrej Kramarić (TSG Hoffenheim), Ante Budimir (Osasuna), Marco Pašalić (Orlando City), Petar Musa (FC Dallas), Igor Matanović (SC Freiburg)
