Croatia’s 26-man official squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026, managed by Zlatko Dalić, perfectly balances golden-generation experience with youthful energy. The roster is headlined by veteran 40-year-old captain Luka Modrić and Manchester City star Joško Gvardiol. Croatia has been drawn into Group L for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they will compete against England, Ghana, and Panama.

 

Croatia’s greatest strength continues to be the tactical mastery of their midfield and their proven ability to stay calm in high-stakes knockout scenarios. Captain Luka Modrić, at 40 years old, remains the tactical hub and orchestrator of the team's rhythm in what is expected to be his final World Cup. He is supported by experienced stalwarts like Mateo Kovačić and Mario Pašalić, alongside younger, energetic alternatives like Martin Baturina and Petar Sučić. Manchester City star Joško Gvardiol anchors the backline, flanked by reliable options like Josip Šutalo, Josip Stanišić, and highly-rated teenager Luka Vušković. Up front, Ivan Perišić, Andrej Kramarić, and Ante Budimir provide the clinical finishing and positional versatility required for high-stakes tournament football.

Croatia relies heavily on Gvardiol's progressive passing out of the back, creating overloads in the midfield controlling possession. Croatia had a spectacular run at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, ultimately securing the bronze medal by finishing in third place. Croatia’s run to the final was halted by eventual champions Argentina.

Croatia Squad for 2026 FIFA World Cup

Goalkeepers: Dominik Livaković (Dinamo Zagreb), Dominik Kotarski (København), Ivor Pandur (Hull City)

Defenders: Joško Gvardiol (Manchester City), Duje Ćaleta-Car (Real Sociedad), Josip Šutalo (Ajax), Josip Stanišić (Bayern München), Marin Pongračić (Fiorentina), Martin Erlić (Midtjylland), Luka Vušković (Hamburger SV)

Midfielders: Luka Modrić (Milan), Mateo Kovačić (Manchester City), Mario Pašalić (Atalanta), Nikola Vlašić (Torino), Luka Sučić (Real Sociedad), Martin Baturina (Como), Kristijan Jakić (Augsburg), Petar Sučić (Internazionale), Nikola Moro (Bologna), Toni Fruk (Rijeka)

Forwards: Ivan Perišić (PSV Eindhoven), Andrej Kramarić (Hoffenheim), Ante Budimir (Osasuna), Marco Pašalić (Orlando City), Petar Musa (Dallas), Igor Matanović (Freiburg)