In previous World Cups, Croatia competed as the unknown side, but surprised many by finishing second in 2018 before finishing in third place in 2022. These matches have raised expectations domestically for the Vatreni, whose tactical discipline has caused headaches for the tournament favorites in the latter stages, as England found out in the 2018 semi-finals in Russia.
In a relatively easy group, Croatia managed to get through to the group through qualifying, apart from the goalless draw against the Czech Republic, with striker Andrej Kramaric topping the table with six goals.
In North America, Kramaric, 34, will be joined by the two leading architects of 2018, Luka Modric, 40, and Ivan Perisic, 37, in the hope of gaining another vote.
Head coach Zlatko Dalic, who will guide Croatia to its third World Cup, has also retained the core of the 2022 format. Goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic, defender Josko Gvardiol, midfielders Modric, Mateo Kovacic and Mario Pasalic, and strikers Perisic and Kramaric will form a formidable backbone, with a combined total of 665 caps.
Although the squad has a high average age of 28.3 years, Dalic will count on the emerging Marco Pasalic, Luka Vuskovic, Martin Baturina and Petar Sucic to step up to provide the support act.
Croatia will be hoping that star midfielder Modric, who suffered a cheekbone injury in April, and defender Gvardiol, who returned to action after a five-month break due to a tibia fracture, will return to action.
In a long tournament, where conditions will have a major influence, Croatia’s style of ball retention will help the country control the matches.
Predicted Playing XI (4-2-3-1)
Livaković; Stanisic, Calata-Car, Vuskovic, Gvardiol; Modric, Kovacic; Mario Pasalic, Kramaric, Perisic; Budimir
Player to watch out for: Luka Modric
Even at the age of 40, Modric, who is playing in his fifth World Cup, is still the heartbeat of this Croatian team. The AC Milan playmaker will set the tone for Croatia’s pace from the middle of the park. He was named the best player of the 2018 World Cup before winning the Ballon d’Or the same year. While he may not play the full 90 minutes as he did in previous tournaments, Croatia will back him to still make an impact on the pitch.
Coach: Zlatko Dalic
Head coach Zlatko Dalic, who is leading Croatia to its third World Cup, has retained the core of the 2022 format. | Photo credit: REUTERS
Head coach Zlatko Dalic, who is leading Croatia to its third World Cup, has retained the core of the 2022 format. | Photo credit: REUTERS
After an unusual management journey that saw him work in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, Dalic has now been at the helm of the Croatian senior team for nine years. With a generation of highly technical midfielders at their disposal, Croatia have maintained control with their ball possession style, making them a difficult side to beat in recent years.
World Cup statistics
Appearance: 6
Best result: Runner-up (2018)
FIFA ranking: 11
MP: 30
W: 13
D: 8
L: 9
GV: 43
GA: 33
Highest active scorer: Ivan Perisic (38)
TEAM
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Goalkeepers: Dominik Livaković, Dominik Kotarski, Ivor Pandur
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Defenders: Joško Gvardiol, Duje Ćaleta-Car, Josip Šutalo, Josip Stanišić, Marin Pongracić, Martin Erlić, Luka Vušković
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Midfielders: Luka Modrić, Mateo Kovačić, Mario Pasalić, Nikola Vlašić, Luka Sučić, Martin Baturina, Kristijan Jakić, Petar Sučić, Nikola Moro, Toni Fruk
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Forwards: Ivan Perišić, Andrej Kramarić, Ante Budimir, Marco Pašalić, Petar Musa, Igor Matanović
Published on June 12, 2026
