This article is part of a collaborative effort among leading media organizations from the 48 nations that qualified for the 2026 World Cup. Previews from three countries will be featured daily leading up to the tournament’s start on June 11.
Strategic Approach
The qualification phase was relatively straightforward for Croatia, nicknamed the Vatreni or Blazers. Their most significant challenge came from Czechia, which managed to secure a draw, marking them as the only real competition. Zlatko Dalic took advantage of this opportunity to experiment with his lineup and broaden his player pool. However, after Croatia’s victory over the Faroe Islands last November, which secured their top position with one match remaining, Dalic expressed a firm stance.
“I will never try to play with three at the back again.”
Fast forward to March, during friendly matches against Colombia (a 2-1 win) and Brazil (a 1-3 loss), where he reconsidered his strategy, testing the three-back formation with mixed results.
Despite this experimentation, it’s likely that the traditional formation will prevail during the World Cup. Croatia leans heavily on the talents of Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic, and with both players returning from injury, Dalic seems inclined to revert to a back four, either in a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 setup, which has been a hallmark of his nearly decade-long tenure.
Croatia: Group L Fixtures
17 June v England, Dallas (3pm local, 9pm BST, 18 June 6am AEST)
23 June v Panama, Toronto (7pm local, 24 June 12am BST, 24 June 9am AEST)
27 June v Ghana, Philadelphia (5pm local, 10pm BST, 28 June 5am AEST)
At the tournament, Croatia is expected to field one of the oldest squads, with many starters in their 30s, including captain Luka Modric, who is now 40. This wealth of experience could provide a winning mentality, but it also raises concerns.
Can the seasoned players such as Modric, Kovacic (32), Ivan Perisic (37), and Andrej Kramaric (turning 35) still perform at a high level? Are the younger, less experienced players ready to rise to the occasion? Croatia has a history of exceeding expectations, and their past two World Cup campaigns have set a high bar, yet they seem determined to make one final push for glory.
The Coach
Zlatko Dalic has held his position for nearly ten years, a remarkable feat in a country known for its quick managerial changes. His accomplishments have solidified his status as virtually untouchable, but discussions about his contract, which expires after this World Cup, make him uneasy. “Leave me in peace to do my job,” he responded sharply when questioned about his future. “I’m not going to sign an extension if anyone is forcing me to decide now.” This World Cup will mark his third appearance in charge, having previously led the team to a silver medal in Russia and a bronze in Qatar.
Star Player
Luka Modric has been the cornerstone of the Croatian national team for the past 20 years since his full international debut. Though the team has evolved around him, it remains fundamentally built on his midfield prowess. While he may not be the same player who clinched the Ballon d’Or and Champions League titles with Real Madrid, he continues to orchestrate Croatia’s play. After transferring to AC Milan in 2025, he has emerged as their standout player and recently netted his 29th international goal in a friendly against Slovenia. He is on track to achieve his 200th cap during the tournament in North America.
Player to Watch
Luka Vuskovic, a gifted ball-playing center-back, has been making waves with his aerial dominance and playmaking abilities. At just 19 years old and relatively new to the senior team, the Tottenham defender, who spent last season on loan at Hamburg in the Bundesliga, has already proven his worth to Dalic and is expected to start in North America. The question remains, is he prepared for this significant challenge? Absolutely, and fans should keep an eye on him.
Unsung Hero
Mateo Kovacic has largely operated in Modric’s shadow during his career and hasn’t always been recognized as a key figure for the national team. His true value, however, becomes apparent when he is absent, as he provides Modric with the freedom to excel and facilitates connections throughout the midfield. Dalic is acutely aware of Kovacic’s significance; the team’s formation often hinges on his performance. If Kovacic is not at his peak, Croatia may shift from a 4-3-3 to a 4-2-3-1 or even adopt a three-back setup.
Probable Starting XI
Fan Expectations
Historically, Croatia has faced challenges with fan behavior, resulting in various sanctions. While the team will undoubtedly enjoy substantial support, fans traveling to North America are expected to focus on celebrating their team with enthusiasm and joy, rather than engaging in protests or disturbances. At least, that is the hope.
Political Context
The notion of separating sports from politics remains a steadfast principle in Croatia, often reiterated by those in power as it suits their agenda. The nation’s politicians have largely refrained from commenting on the Trump administration, so it is unlikely that any opinions or sentiments will emerge from the team’s camp. While fans may voice concerns about ticket prices or other matters, Croatia is expected to maintain a low profile in this regard.
