ZAGREB — Manager Zlatko Dalić has officially unveiled the 26-man roster tasked with representing Croatia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Drawn into Group L alongside England, Ghana, and Panama, the Vatreni will head to North America blending the wisdom of legendary veterans with the energy of rising stars.
The Blend of Generations
The squad is anchored by icons who have defined a golden era for Croatian football. Captain Luka Modrić, at 40 years old, is set to make history by appearing in his fifth World Cup, while 37-year-old Ivan Perišić prepares for his fourth.
Crucially, Manchester City’s Joško Gvardiol has been cleared for the tournament. After a challenging spell on the sidelines, the defensive titan returns to lead the backline, providing the stability Croatia needs to navigate a high-stakes group stage.
Croatia’s 2026 World Cup Squad
| Position | Players |
| Goalkeepers | Dominik Livaković, Dominik Kotarski, Ivor Pandur |
| Defenders | Joško Gvardiol, Duje Ćaleta-Car, Josip Šutalo, Josip Stanišić, Marin Pongračić, Martin Erlić, Luka Vušković |
| Midfielders | Luka Modrić, Mateo Kovačić, Mario Pašalić, Nikola Vlašić, Luka Sučić, Martin Baturina, Kristijan Jakić, Petar Sučić, Nikola Moro, Toni Fruk |
| Forwards | Ivan Perišić, Andrej Kramarić, Ante Budimir, Marco Pašalić, Petar Musa, Igor Matanović |
Youth and Standby Contingent
Dalić has emphasized the importance of fresh legs, calling upon teenage sensation Luka Vušković and dynamic midfielders Martin Baturina and Petar Sučić.
The manager has also named a seven-player standby list should injuries occur before the final FIFA deadline on June 2: Lovro Majer, Franjo Ivanović, Dion Drena Beljo, Ivan Smolčić, Karlo Letica, Adrian Segečić, and Luka Stojković.
Group L Fixtures
Croatia’s campaign begins with one of the most anticipated matches of the group stage:
• June 17: vs. England (Dallas)
• June 23: vs. Panama (Toronto)
• June 27: vs. Ghana (Philadelphia)
