Croatia Announces Its Official Squad for the World Cup

The Croatian Football Federation officially announced the final squad for the national team that will compete in the 2026 World Cup finals in North America (the United States, Canada, and Mexico).

The squad selected by coach Zlatko Dalic featured a balanced mix of the old guard and the rising generation, in an attempt to replicate the recent historical achievements of the bronze and silver medalist in the last two editions.

At the top of the list is the legendary "maestro" Luka Modric (currently a player for AC Milan), who is preparing to participate in the last World Cup of his inspiring professional career at the age of forty. Alongside him, the list includes established experienced names such as Mateo Kovacic, Ivan Perisic, and Andrej Kramaric.

On the other hand, Dalic strengthened the ranks of the "Fiery Ones" with young and intriguing names, led by Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol, whose readiness was confirmed after injury concerns, in addition to the promising young defender Luka Vuskovic (a Tottenham player on loan to Hamburg), and midfield talent Martin Baturina.

Details of the called-up squad (26 players):

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

Defense line: Joško Gvardiol (Manchester City), Duje Ćaleta-Car (Real Sociedad), Josip Šutalo (Ajax), Josip Stanišić (Bayern Munich), Marin Pongračić (Fiorentina), Martin Erlić (Midtjylland), Luka Vušković (Hamburg).

Midfielders: Luka Modric (Milan), Mateo Kovacic (Manchester City), Mario Pasalic (Atalanta), Nikola Vlasic (Torino), Luka Sucic (Real Sociedad), Martin Baturina (Como), Kristijan Jakic (Augsburg), Petar Sucic (Inter Milan), Nikola Moro (Bologna), Toni Fruk (Rijeka).

Forward line: Ivan Perisic (PSV Eindhoven), Andrej Kramaric (Hoffenheim), Ante Budimir (Osasuna), Marko Pasalic (Orlando City), Petar Musa (Dallas), Igor Matanovic (Freiburg).

Waiting list (reserve):

The technical management has placed seven names on the emergency list in anticipation of any sudden injuries before traveling. They are: Lovro Majer, Franjo Ivanovic, Dion Drena Beljo, Ivan Smolcic, Karlo Letica, Adrian Sgicic, and Luka Stojkovic.

Croatia's path in the World Cup

Croatia will compete in the finals within Group L, a balanced and strong group. The Croatian team will begin its campaign with an anticipated fiery match against England on June 17, before facing Panama in the second round on June 24, and concluding the group stage against Ghana on June 28.