Croatia Unveils 26-Man Squad for 2026 FIFA World Cup with Luka Modric as Captain
Croatia's Squad Announcement for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Zagreb [Croatia], May 18: On Monday, Croatia's head coach Zlatko Dalic revealed a 26-player roster for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the seasoned midfielder Luka Modric set to lead the team as captain.
This marks Croatia's seventh participation in the FIFA World Cup, and the team aims to build on its strong performances in previous tournaments. Croatia was the runner-up in the 2018 World Cup, losing to France in the final, and secured third place in the 2022 tournament, matching their debut performance in 1998.
At 40 years old, Modric, often hailed as one of the finest midfielders of his era, remains a pivotal figure in the Croatian lineup. He holds the record for the most international caps for Croatia, with 196 appearances, and is a former Ballon d'Or winner.
The squad also features experienced players such as Ivan Perisic, Mario Pasalic, and Andrej Kramaric, while defender Josko Gvardiol makes a return after recovering from a broken shin sustained earlier this year.
Croatia's goalkeeping trio includes Dominik Livakovic, Dominik Kotarski, and Ivor Pandur.
The defensive lineup comprises Gvardiol, Duje Caleta-Car, Josip Sutalo, Josip Stanisic, Marin Pongracic, Martin Erlic, and Luka Vuskovic.
In midfield, alongside Modric, Croatia has Mateo Kovacic, Mario Pasalic, Nikola Vlasic, Luka Sucic, Martin Baturina, Kristijan Jakic, Petar Sucic, Nikola Moro, and Toni Fruk.
The attack will be spearheaded by Perisic, Kramaric, and Ante Budimir, with Marco Pasalic, Petar Musa, and Igor Matanovic also included in the squad.
Croatia secured their spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup by topping their qualifying group, finishing ahead of Czechia, the Faroe Islands, Montenegro, and Gibraltar. Dalic's team won seven out of eight matches, with their only slip being a goalless draw against Czechia.
During the qualification campaign, Croatia scored 26 goals while conceding just four. They confirmed their qualification on November 14, 2025, with a 3-1 victory over the Faroe Islands in Rijeka, where Gvardiol, Petar Musa, and Nikola Vlasic found the net. Kramaric was the standout scorer for Croatia in qualifying, netting six goals.
Croatia has been placed in Group L for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada. They will kick off their campaign against England on June 17 in Arlington, Texas, followed by a match against Panama in Toronto on June 22, and concluding the group stage against Ghana in Philadelphia on June 27.
Croatia squad for FIFA World Cup 2026:
Goalkeepers: Dominik Livakovic (Dinamo Zagreb), Dominik Kotarski (Copenhagen), Ivor Pandur (Hull City)
Defenders: Josko Gvardiol (Manchester City), Duje Caleta-Car (Real Sociedad), Josip Sutalo (Ajax), Josip Stanisic (Bayern Munich), Marin Pongracic (Fiorentina), Martin Erlic (Midtjylland), Luka Vuskovic (Hamburger SV)
Midfielders: Luka Modric (AC 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)
Forwards: Ivan Perisic (PSV Eindhoven), Andrej Kramaric (TSG Hoffenheim), Ante Budimir (Osasuna), Marco Pasalic (Orlando City), Petar Musa (FC Dallas), Igor Matanovic (SC Freiburg).