World Cup 2026: Croatia national team squad – Modrić’s final mission as Vatreni chase another historic run
10:43, 9 May 2026
Croatia head to the 2026 FIFA World Cup once again carrying the reputation of tournament overachievers, with veteran captain Luka Modrić still at the heart of their ambitions.
Now 41, the Real Madrid legend is preparing for what is expected to be his final major tournament in national colours. While a new generation has emerged around him, Croatia continue to draw inspiration from a player who has defined the country’s greatest footballing era.
Having reached the latter stages of three of the past four World Cups, the Vatreni arrive in North America believing they can once again upset more heavily favoured opponents.
Croatia national team
Year founded: 1912
Most appearances: Luka Modrić (196 matches)
Top scorer: Davor Šuker (45 goals)
Captain: Luka Modrić
FIFA ranking (April 2026): 11
Qualifying round results
Croatia booked their place at the 2026 World Cup with a 3-1 victory over the Faroe Islands in November 2025, becoming the third European nation to secure qualification.
Zlatko Dalić’s side produced another efficient campaign, collecting 19 points from their first seven matches and ensuring a fourth consecutive appearance at football’s biggest tournament.
As has often been the case during Croatia’s most successful years, qualification was achieved through organisation, experience and an ability to deliver results under pressure rather than overwhelming dominance.
The achievement extended Croatia’s remarkable consistency on the international stage and reinforced their status as one of Europe’s most dependable tournament teams.
Previous World Cup performance
Few nations have enjoyed as much success at the World Cup relative to their size as Croatia.
Since making their debut as an independent nation in 1998, Croatia have established an impressive record, reaching the top three on three occasions in just six appearances.
Their breakthrough came in France in 1998, when Davor Šuker inspired the team to a third-place finish. Two decades later, Croatia stunned the football world by reaching the 2018 final before finishing runners-up to France. They followed that achievement with another third-place finish at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The ability to consistently exceed expectations has become a defining characteristic of Croatian football.
Coach: Zlatko Dalić
The 2026 tournament will be Zlatko Dalić’s third consecutive World Cup as Croatia manager.
When he took charge in 2017, few expected him to become one of the most successful coaches in the nation’s history. Yet under his leadership, Croatia have enjoyed an unprecedented period of success, highlighted by their appearances in the 2018 final and the 2022 semi-finals.
Dalić has built his reputation on creating disciplined, resilient teams capable of competing with nations possessing far greater resources and player pools.
His calm leadership and tactical flexibility have repeatedly helped Croatia thrive in high-pressure situations, making him one of the most respected international managers in world football.
Star player: Luka Modrić
For more than a decade, Luka Modrić has been the face of Croatian football.
Approaching 200 international appearances, the midfielder remains both the emotional leader and creative heartbeat of the national team. His influence extends beyond his performances on the pitch, with younger players continuing to look to him for guidance and inspiration.
Although Croatia now boast exciting talents such as Joško Gvardiol and several emerging stars across Europe, Modrić’s presence remains invaluable.
The 2026 World Cup offers the Ballon d’Or winner one final opportunity to add another remarkable chapter to an already legendary international career.
Predicted line-up
Croatia are expected to blend experienced leaders with a younger core, maintaining the disciplined and technically proficient style that has brought them success in recent tournaments.
World Cup 2026 group-stage fixtures
18 June
England v Croatia (03:00)
24 June
Panama v Croatia (06:00)
28 June
Croatia v Ghana (04:00)
Head-to-head record against group opponents
v England
3 wins, 2 draws, 6 losses
v Panama
No previous meetings
v Ghana
No previous meetings
Championship odds
According to bet365, Croatia are priced at 80/1 to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Assessment
Croatia may no longer possess the element of surprise that fuelled some of their previous World Cup runs, but writing them off would be a mistake.
The squad combines tournament experience with emerging talent, while Dalić has repeatedly demonstrated an ability to maximise the potential of his players. Much will depend on whether Croatia can maintain the defensive discipline and collective spirit that have become their trademarks.
The group stage presents challenges, particularly against England, but Croatia have built a reputation for excelling when expectations are modest.
As long as Modrić remains on the pitch, belief will remain strong. For Croatia’s captain, the 2026 World Cup represents one final chance to lead his country towards another unforgettable achievement. For the Vatreni, it is an opportunity to prove once again that they belong among football’s most resilient tournament teams.
