Croatia Unveils World Cup Squad as Dalić Banks on Talent and Experience

Key Takeaways:

• Zlatko Dalić revealed Croatia’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Monday, combining veteran internationals and new faces
• Croatia will begin their group stage campaign against England on 17 June in Dallas, then play Panama and Ghana in Toronto and Philadelphia respectively
• Preparations will feature friendlies against Belgium and Slovenia in early June prior to the team’s departure for Washington

Squad Selection: Blending Experience with Youth

Croatia’s head coach, Zlatko Dalić, has named his squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be staged across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. It features a balance of established international stars and up-and-coming players as the national side enters its final tournament preparations.

🚨 𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋: Luka Modrić will play in his 5th World Cup 😲🇭🇷

This is Croatia's 26-man squad for the World Cup 🏆

How far will they go? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/SYKWlqJq0j

— 433 (@433) May 18, 2026

The list comprises three goalkeepers: Dominik Livaković, Dominik Kotarski, and Ivor Pandur. The defender group includes Joško Gvardiol, Duje Ćaleta-Car, Josip Šutalo, Josip Stanišić, Marin Pongračić, Martin Erlić, and Luka Vušković.

In midfield, Dalić has called up Luka Modrić, Mateo Kovačić, Mario Pašalić, Nikola Vlašić, Luka Sučić, Martin Baturina, Kristijan Jakić, Petar Sučić, Nikola Moro, and Toni Fruk. The attack features Ivan Perišić, Andrej Kramarić, Ante Budimir, Marco Pašalić, Petar Musa, and Igor Matanović.

Selection Decisions and Noteworthy Absentees

Dalić emphasised the depth and form within his striking options, mentioning that several forwards are currently performing well at club level. He explained that recent performance was a crucial factor in composing the list, specifically highlighting Petar Musa and Igor Matanović as players in fine form. Dalić clarified that Dion Drena Beljo’s exclusion was due to the high competition among attackers, not a dip in his own performances, and has consequently placed him on the stand-by list.

A selection headache for Dalić was whether to bring five centre-backs to the tournament. Regarding Joško Gvardiol, Dalić stated: “Gvardiol has started playing again and he is on the list. The slight issue is that he was out for six months, but through his training and hard work I believe he will be at full fitness and in the starting line-up at the World Cup, and a great addition for us.”

Among the notable exclusions from the main squad is Lovro Majer. While placed on the stand-by list, Dalić commented: “I have not yet spoken with Majer. He was injured for a long time and has been having issues at his club. Since the last gathering in the United States, he has not started a single match. I am very sorry, but his status at the club has led to him being on the standby list. His situation at the club ultimately meant he did not make the main squad.”

Fixtures and Preparations: The Road to North America

Croatia will begin their 2026 World Cup journey against England on 17 June in Dallas. Their group stage continues with a match on 23 June against Panama in Toronto, followed by a meeting with Ghana on 27 June in Philadelphia.

The team gathers on 25 May in Rijeka, kicking off preparations that include a friendly match against Belgium on 2 June. Subsequent preparations take them to Varaždin for a fixture against Slovenia on 7 June. Two days after the Slovenia friendly, the squad will depart for Washington ahead of the start of the tournament.