CRO
FIFA WORLD CUP 2026 · GROUP L · POT 2

Croatia
World Cup 26-man squad

Manager Zlatko Dalić · A veteran coach in charge since 2017. Built Croatia's golden era — runners-up at Russia 2018 and third at Qatar 2022. This is his third World Cup, with a 4-3-3 base and the final chapter of the Modrić generation.
MD1 Jun 17 vs England MD2 Jun 23 vs Panama MD3 Jun 27 vs Ghana
6th World Cup appearance · best finish: Runner-up (2018)
26
Squad size
27.9
Avg. age
24 / 26
Overseas-based
15 / 11
WC veterans / Debutants
TEAM STORY

Zlatko Dalić's Croatia announced their 26-man squad on May 18. Veterans abound — 40-year-old captain Luka Modrić, 37-year-old Ivan Perišić plus Kramarić and Kovačić (all four are 2018 Russia runners-up). Yet 19-year-old Luka Vušković joins, creating a 21-year age range across the squad.

The midfield trio of Modrić + Kovačić + Pašalić remains the framework, with 24-year-old Gvardiol anchoring the back line at left centre-back. Seven Serie A-based players form the largest single-league contingent — Modrić's move to AC Milan a fitting symbol.

Group L launches with a heavyweight clash against England on June 17, followed by Panama (June 23) and Ghana (June 27). After silver in 2018 and bronze in 2022, Croatia eyes a fourth deep run — likely Modrić's last World Cup curtain.

PREDICTED XI

LIKELY 4-3-3.

Dalić's preferred 4-3-3 with Modrić as the deep-lying maestro and Kovačić/Pašalić flanking — a classic triangle. Front three: Perišić left, Kramarić centre, Mario Pašalić wide right, with Gvardiol at left CB.

4-3-3 (predicted)
KEY PLAYERS

KEY PLAYERS.

The five players who set the tone in the group stage — by role and trait.

10
CM · MF
Luka Modrić
Milan · 40
198 caps · 29G WC: 2006, 2014, 2018, 2022
Captain & 40-year-old maestro
CAPTAIN
4
CB · DF
Joško Gvardiol
Manchester City · 24 · Premier League
48 caps · 4G WC: 2022
Defensive cornerstone (left CB)
ACE
8
CM · MF
Mateo Kovačić
Manchester City · 32 · Premier League
113 caps · 5G WC: 2014, 2018, 2022
Midfield progressor
9
ST · FW
Andrej Kramarić
TSG Hoffenheim · 34 · Bundesliga
116 caps · 36G WC: 2018, 2022
Veteran No.9
14
LW · FW
Ivan Perišić
PSV Eindhoven · 37 · Eredivisie
154 caps · 38G WC: 2014, 2018, 2022
Fourth-World-Cup left winger
SQUAD

SQUAD 26.

GK GOALKEEPERS 3
DF DEFENDERS 7
MF MIDFIELDERS 10
FW FORWARDS 6
GROUP L

GROUP L.

ENG
England
POT 1
CRO
Croatia
POT 2
GHA
Ghana
POT 3
PAN
Panama
POT 4
Wed, Jun 17
England vs Croatia
Dallas Stadium · Arlington, TX
Group L's blockbuster opener vs Bellingham and Kane. The Modrić/Kovačić axis must dictate midfield, with Gvardiol facing City team-mate Foden.
View lineups →
MD1
Tue, Jun 23
Panama vs Croatia
Toronto Stadium · Toronto
Croatia push for six points here. Panama, hardened by CONCACAF qualifying, plays organised defence and sharp counters — clinical finishing is required.
View lineups →
MD2
Sat, Jun 27
Ghana vs Croatia
Philadelphia Stadium · Philadelphia, PA
Group decider against Ghana — the first World Cup meeting between the two nations. Containing Africa's quick forwards will test the veterans' focus.
View lineups →
MD3

Road to the final

Spoiler-free: the potential bracket route by final group position. No results shown.

Win Group L
  1. Round of 32 Jul 01 · Atlanta vs 3rd place (E/H/I/J/K)
  2. Round of 16 Jul 05 · Mexico City vs Winner of Match 79
  3. Quarter-finals Jul 11 · Miami Gardens vs Winner of Match 91
  4. Semi-finals Jul 15 · Atlanta vs Winner of Match 100
  5. Final Jul 19 · East Rutherford vs Winner of Match 101
Runners-up, Group L
  1. Round of 32 Jul 02 · Toronto vs Runners-up Group K
  2. Round of 16 Jul 06 · Arlington vs Winner of Match 84
  3. Quarter-finals Jul 10 · Inglewood vs Winner of Match 94
  4. Semi-finals Jul 14 · Arlington vs Winner of Match 97
  5. Final Jul 19 · East Rutherford vs Winner of Match 102
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