Zlatko Dalić’s Croatia squad heads into their second World Cup group stage fixture against Panama carrying the massive expectations of an established global heavyweight. No longer a surprise contender, the Vatreni have firmly cemented themselves among soccer’s elite following a historic runner-up finish in 2018 and a third-place podium in Qatar.

At the center of it all remains the ageless Luka Modrić. The legendary midfielder leads his nation into what will be his final World Cup campaign, looking to complete one of the most remarkable international careers in soccer history by capturing the sport’s ultimate prize.

Facing a resilient Panama side on Matchday 2, Croatia will rely on that trademark golden-generation experience to anchor their midfield control and secure a crucial pathway to the knockout rounds.

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Croatia squad for the World Cup

Goalkeepers for Croatia

• Dominik Livaković (Dinamo Zagreb)
• Dominik Kotarski (Copenhagen)
• Ivor Pandur (Hull City)

Defenders for Croatia

• Josko Gvardiol (Manchester City)
• Duje Cáleta-Car (Real Sociedad)
• Josip Sutalo (Ajax)
• Josip Stanisić (Bayern Munich)
• Marin Pongracic (Fiorentina)
• Martin Erlic (Midtjylland)
• Luka Vuskovic (Hamburg)

Midfielders for Croatia

• Luka Modric (Milan)
• Mateo Kovacic (Man. City)
• Mario Pasalic (Atalanta)
• Nikola Vlasic (Torino)
• Luka Sucic (Real Sociedad)
• Martin Baturina (Como)
• Kristijan Jakic (Augsburg)
• Petar Sucic (Inter)
• Nikola Moro (Bologna)
• Toni Fruk (Rijeka)

Forwards for Croatia

• Ivan Perisic (PSV)
• Andrej Kramaric (Hoffenheim)
• Ante Budimir (Osasuna)
• Marco Pasalic (Orlando City)
• Petar Musa (Dallas)
• Igor Matanovic (Freiburg).

Croatia’s schedule and group at the World Cup

Croatia has been drawn into Group L at the 2026 World Cup.

Dalić’s team will face England, Panama and Ghana in the opening stage of the tournament as it looks to secure a place in the knockout rounds.

Here are the kickoff times for Croatia’s group-stage matches.

• England 4-2 Croatia
• Panama vs Croatia: June 23, 7 p.m. ET.
• Croatia vs Ghana: June 27, 5 p.m. ET.

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