Croatia have moved from qualification talk into squad talk for World Cup 2026. This page tracks the announced squad status as of May 20, 2026, the key names, group-stage fixtures and the selection questions that matter before kickoff.
Croatia squad status
| Squad detail | Current status |
|---|---|
| Team | Croatia |
| Coach | Zlatko Dalic |
| Announcement status | Croatia announced their World Cup squad on 18 May 2026. |
| Group | Group L with England, Ghana and Panama |
| Final FIFA list note | National announcements can still change before FIFA confirms final squad lists around 2 June 2026. |
Key squad story
Luka Modric and Ivan Perisic bring another wave of major-tournament experience.
Josko Gvardiol returns to anchor the defence after an injury layoff.
Martin Baturina and Petar Sucic add younger midfield energy around the veteran core.
Full announced squad list
- Goalkeepers: Dominik Livakovic, Dominik Kotarski, Ivor Pandur
- Defenders: Josko Gvardiol, Duje Caleta-Car, Josip Sutalo, Josip Stanisic, Marin Pongracic, Martin Erlic, Luka Vuskovic
- Midfielders: Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic, Mario Pasalic, Nikola Vlasic, Luka Sucic, Martin Baturina, Kristijan Jakic, Petar Sucic, Nikola Moro, Toni Fruk
- Forwards: Ivan Perisic, Andrej Kramaric, Ante Budimir, Marco Pasalic, Petar Musa, Igor Matanovic
The biggest thing to watch is role clarity. A World Cup squad is not only a list of famous players: it is a minutes plan. Starters, penalty takers, set-piece takers, late substitutes, reserve goalkeepers and defensive cover all affect how far a team can go.
Group-stage fixtures
- 17 June: England v Croatia - Dallas Stadium
- 23 June: Panama v Croatia - Toronto Stadium
- 27 June: Croatia v Ghana - Philadelphia Stadium
Croatia need enough points across those three matches to finish in the top two or compete strongly in the third-place race. The 48-team format gives more teams a route into the knockouts, but it also makes goal difference and late substitutions more important.
Fantasy, betting and player-watch angle
For fantasy football, the best picks are not always the most famous names. Minutes, penalty duty, clean-sheet probability, set pieces and group strength should decide the shortlist. For betting research, check licensed markets in your country and compare team progress odds with player markets before backing top scorer or award prices.
What can still change
- Injury replacements can alter the final list before the first match.
- A preliminary or expanded squad has to be cut to the permitted final size.
- Club form and late fitness tests can change the starting XI even when the squad list is known.
- Tournament roles can change after the first match if a team needs more control, pace or height.
