Croatia
The Croatia National Soccer Team has become a major force in global football, known for its resilience, technical skill, and passionate play. Guided by the Croatian Football Federation, the team has achieved remarkable success, including a FIFA World Cup final and multiple top-three finishes. With strong player development and a competitive spirit, Croatia continues to stand out as one of Europe’s most impressive national teams.
Explore the official Croatia National Team squad and get a clear overview of every player selected for the tournament. Discover the key details behind the stars, rising talents, and core squad members who shape the team’s World Cup 2026 campaign.
Karlo Letica
Goalkeeper
Feb 11, 1997
Ivan Perišić
Midfielder
Feb 2, 1989
Luka Modrić
Midfielder
Sep 9, 1985
Nikola Vlašić
Midfielder
Oct 4, 1997
Marin Pongračić
Defender
Sep 11, 1997
Dominik Livaković
Goalkeeper
Jan 9, 1995
Nikola Moro
Midfielder
Mar 12, 1998
Duje Ćaleta-Car
Defender
Sep 17, 1996
Mario Pašalić
Midfielder
Feb 9, 1995
Ivan Smolčić
Defender
Aug 17, 2000
Ivor Pandur
Goalkeeper
Mar 25, 2000
Kristijan Jakić
Midfielder
May 14, 1997
Josip Šutalo
Defender
Feb 28, 2000
Martin Erlić
Defender
Jan 24, 1998
Josip Stanišić
Defender
Apr 2, 2000
Igor Matanović
Attacker
Mar 31, 2003
Marco Pašalić
Midfielder
Sep 14, 2000
Toni Fruk
Midfielder
Mar 9, 2001
Petar Sučić
Midfielder
Oct 25, 2003
Luka Vušković
Defender
Feb 24, 2007
Meet the Croatia National Team coaching staff, who play a vital role in preparing the squad for success on the international stage. Working behind the scenes, they support the team’s tactical development, physical conditioning, match preparation, and overall performance throughout World Cup 2026.
Zlatko Dalić
Birthday:
Oct 26, 1966
Nationality:
Croatia
Explore the latest Croatia matches at the FIFA World Cup 2026 and stay updated on results, key moments, and standout player performances from every game.
Brazil vs Croatia
3 : 1
Apr 1, 2026 • Friendlies
Camping World Stadium
Colombia vs Croatia
1 : 2
Mar 26, 2026 • Friendlies
Camping World Stadium, Orlando
Montenegro vs Croatia
2 : 3
Nov 17, 2025 • World Cup - Qualification Europe
Gradski Stadion, Podgorica
Croatia vs Faroe Islands
3 : 1
Nov 14, 2025 • World Cup - Qualification Europe
Stadion HNK Rijeka Dean Šćulac, Rijeka
Croatia vs Gibraltar
3 : 0
Oct 12, 2025 • World Cup - Qualification Europe
Stadion Varteks, Varaždin
Czech Republic vs Croatia
0 : 0
Oct 9, 2025 • World Cup - Qualification Europe
Fortuna Arena, Prague
Croatia vs Montenegro
4 : 0
Sep 8, 2025 • World Cup - Qualification Europe
Stadion Maksimir, Zagreb
Faroe Islands vs Croatia
0 : 1
Sep 5, 2025 • World Cup - Qualification Europe
Tórsvøllur, Torshavn
Croatia vs Czech Republic
5 : 1
Jun 9, 2025 • World Cup - Qualification Europe
Opus Arena, Osijek
Gibraltar vs Croatia
0 : 7
Jun 6, 2025 • World Cup - Qualification Europe
Estadio Algarve, Faro
Croatia qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup by finishing first in UEFA Group L. Zlatko Dalić’s side put together a strong and consistent campaign, ending with 7 wins, 1 draw, and 0 defeats from 8 matches. Croatia scored 26 goals and conceded only 4, giving them a +22 goal difference and 22 points overall. Key results included emphatic wins over Gibraltar and Czechia, while a 3–1 home victory over the Faroe Islands on 14 November 2025 officially secured qualification. Croatia then closed the campaign with a 3–2 away win over Montenegro.
Played
Qualification matches played
Won
Matches won
Drawn
Matches drawn
Lost
Matches lost
Goals For
Total goals scored
Goals Against
Total goals conceded
Goal Difference
GF minus GA
Points
3 per win, 1 per draw
Road to WC
Match | Date | MatchUp | Stadium | City | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Jun 6, 2025 | Gibraltar vs Croatia | Estadio Algarve | Faro | 0:7 |
2 | Jun 9, 2025 | Croatia vs Czech Republic | Opus Arena | Osijek | 5:1 |
3 | Sep 5, 2025 | Faroe Islands vs Croatia | Tórsvøllur | Torshavn | 0:1 |
4 | Sep 8, 2025 | Croatia vs Montenegro | Stadion Maksimir | Zagreb | 4:0 |
5 | Oct 9, 2025 | Czech Republic vs Croatia | Fortuna Arena | Prague | 0:0 |
6 | Oct 12, 2025 | Croatia vs Gibraltar | Stadion Varteks | Varaždin | 3:0 |
7 | Nov 14, 2025 | Croatia vs Faroe Islands | Stadion HNK Rijeka Dean Šćulac | Rijeka | 3:1 |
8 | Nov 17, 2025 | Montenegro vs Croatia | Gradski Stadion | Podgorica | 2:3 |
Croatia has built one of the most remarkable World Cup histories of the modern era. Since debuting as an independent nation in 1998, Vatreni have produced extraordinary runs and memorable stars, quickly establishing themselves among football’s most respected tournament teams. Their first World Cup appearance remains iconic: Croatia finished third in 1998, with Davor Šuker winning the Golden Boot and the team defeating Germany 3–0 before beating the Netherlands 2–1 in the third-place match.
An even greater chapter came in 2018, when Croatia reached its first World Cup final. Led by Luka Modrić, who won the Golden Ball, Croatia produced a dramatic run that included knockout victories over Denmark, Russia, and England, with Mario Mandžukić’s extra-time winner against England becoming one of the most iconic moments in the nation’s football history.
Croatia added another major achievement in 2022 by finishing third again, proving the country’s enduring quality on the biggest stage. From Šuker to Modrić, Croatia’s World Cup story is filled with brilliance, resilience, and unforgettable tournament drama.
Croatia have appeared at the FIFA World Cup six times — 1998, 2002, 2006, 2014, 2018, and 2022 — with 2026 set to be their seventh participation. Since debuting as an independent nation in 1998, Croatia have built one of the strongest World Cup records of the modern era.
Croatia’s best World Cup finish came in 2018, when they reached the final and finished as runners-up. They also claimed third place in 1998 and 2022.
Davor Šuker and Ivan Perišić share Croatia’s World Cup scoring record with 6 goals each. Šuker scored all six in 1998, while Perišić reached the same total across 2014, 2018, and 2022.
Luka Modrić holds Croatia’s record for most World Cup matches played, with 19 appearances. His total was built across four tournaments and two deep runs to the final stages.
In 1998, Croatia announced itself on the World Cup stage by finishing third in its debut tournament, with Šuker winning the Golden Boot. Another landmark came in 2018, when Croatia reached its first-ever World Cup final and Modrić won the Golden Ball.
Luka Modrić
Luka Modrić is the greatest player in Croatian football history and the heart of the golden generation. Captain of the national team for many years, he led Croatia to the 2018 World Cup Final and 2022 third place, winning the 2018 Ballon d’Or. His vision, control, and leadership define Croatia’s modern identity.
Dominik Livaković
Croatia’s first-choice goalkeeper of the modern era, Livaković is known for elite shot-stopping and calm under pressure. His penalty heroics at the 2022 World Cup cemented his status as a decisive big-match performer and a foundation of Croatia’s defensive confidence.
Mateo Kovačić
A high-level midfield controller who gives Croatia balance, tempo, and ball progression. Kovačić’s composure in tight spaces and ability to carry the ball through pressure make him one of the most important links between Croatia’s buildup and attack.
Ivan Perišić
A proven match-winner and one of Croatia’s most reliable attacking veterans. Perišić brings direct running, big-game experience, and the result, remaining a key player in decisive fixtures.
Andrej Kramarić
A consistent goal threat and a smart, technical forward, Kramarić is known for his finishing and creativity in the final third, making him a central figure in Croatia’s attacking structure during the current cycle.
Joško Gvardiol
Joško Gvardiol represents Croatia’s present and future. A standout defender at the 2022 World Cup, he gained global recognition for his pace, composure, and ball-playing ability. Now a leader of the next generation, he is expected to anchor Croatia’s defense through the 2026 World Cup cycle and beyond.
Davor Šuker
Davor Šuker remains Croatia’s most legendary striker and all-time top scorer at major tournaments. He won the Golden Boot at the 1998 World Cup, leading Croatia to a historic third-place finish in their first World Cup appearance. His legacy established Croatia as an immediate global force.
Zvonimir Boban
The captain and creative leader of Croatia’s first golden generation. Boban’s leadership and midfield class helped drive Croatia to third place at the 1998 World Cup, making him one of the defining figures in the country’s football identity.
Mario Mandžukić
Mario Mandžukić was Croatia’s ultimate big-game striker. He scored in the 2018 World Cup Final, becoming one of the few players in history to score in a World Cup final for and against his team in the same tournament. His physicality, pressing, and clutch goals defined Croatia’s attack for over a decade.
Robert Prosinečki
A legendary technician and one of the most gifted players Croatia has produced. Prosinečki starred at the 1998 World Cup and became a historic figure for his unique World Cup scoring story, combining flair, intelligence, and big-stage quality.
Follow Croatia at the FIFA World Cup 2026 and discover where the team will play throughout the tournament. Explore the full match schedule, host cities, and stadiums set to stage some of the competition’s biggest moments. From group-stage fixtures to possible knockout-round drama, find everything you need to experience the action live at football’s biggest event.
Croatia has participated 6 times before 2026 (1998, 2002, 2006, 2014, 2018, 2022).
Croatia has reached the World Cup final once — in 2018, when they finished as runners-up.
Croatia has reached the knockout stage 4 times before 2026 — 1998, 2014, 2018, and 2022.
Croatia’s best result is 2nd place (2018).
Croatia’s worst outcomes have been group-stage exits (2002 and 2006).
One of Croatia’s most high-profile rivalries is Serbia, shaped by intense competitive meetings and regional history.
Croatia qualified through UEFA qualifying by winning Group L, securing their place on 14 November 2025.
Croatia’s group-stage venues are set for Dallas Stadium, Toronto Stadium, and Philadelphia Stadium. They play England in Dallas on June 17, 2026, then face Panama in Toronto on June 23, 2026, and finish the group against Ghana in Philadelphia on June 27, 2026.
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