๐ญ๐ท Croatia at the 2026 World Cup
2018 finalists, 2022 third-place. Modric's last World Cup.
Modric's Final Curtain
Croatia punched far above their weight in both 2018 (runners-up) and 2022 (third place), producing perhaps the most consistent overperformance of any small nation in modern World Cup history. Luka Modric led them both times. In 2026, a transitional side still carries the Croatian fighting spirit.
At the 2026 World Cup, Croatia are placed in Group L alongside England, Ghana, Panama. The top 2 teams from every group advance to the Round of 32, and the 8 best third-placed teams also go through. Every match matters from minute one.
With 7 World Cup appearances in their history and a best finish of Runner-up (2018), Croatia bring experience to a tournament that is larger and more competitive than ever before.
Group L Draw
All 4 teams in Croatia's group. Top 2 advance automatically, plus the 8 best third-placed teams across all 12 groups.
How the 2026 Group Stage Works
Croatia's 2026 Squad
Projected, official call-up to be confirmed
Likely first eleven
in a 4-3-3.
Editorial first XI based on qualifying form, club minutes, and Zlatko Dalic's recent selection. The official sheet is named one hour before kickoff.
- 1Dominik Livakovic
- 2Josip Stanisic
- 20Josko Gvardiol
- 6Josip Sutalo
- 19Borna Sosa
- 8Mateo Kovacic
- 10Luka ModricCAPTAIN
- 17Petar Sucic
- 4Ivan Perisic
- 9Andrej Kramaric
- 22Igor Matanovic
All 24 players
Goalkeepers
3 playersDefenders
8 playersMidfielders
6 playersForwards
7 playersEditorial selection based on current first-team form. The final 26-player squad is at the head coach's discretion and is announced approximately one month before the tournament.
Croatia in UEFA
Europe (UEFA)
UEFA sends 16 teams to 2026, the most of any confederation. The European teams hold 16 of the 22 World Cups ever played.
Croatia competed against other UEFA nations through a multi-year qualifying campaign to secure their spot at the 2026 World Cup. The expanded format of 48 teams gave more nations a path to the tournament than ever before.
Other UEFA teams at 2026
No Ticket? Watch Croatia At a Fan Zone
Every Croatia group match is screened live on the giant screen at the FIFA Fan Fest in the host city. Free entry, no queue, just show up. Every other host city also screens every match, so wherever you are, you can join the crowd.
Frequently Asked Questions
Group L Opponents
The teams Croatia face in the group stage
