Croatia at the 2026 World Cup: roster, list, players, group and schedule
After back-to-back top-three finishes, Croatia heads to the 2026 World Cup with England, Panama and Ghana awaiting in Group L.

Zlatko Dalić¡s Croatia roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is packed with talent, experience and internationally recognized stars.
Croatia, of course, is no longer a surprise contender on soccer’s biggest stage. After finishing runner-up at the 2018 World Cup and claiming third place in Qatar four years later, the Vatreni have firmly established themselves among the world’s elite national teams.
At the center of it all remains Luka Modrić. The legendary midfielder enters what will be his final World Cup looking to complete one of the most remarkable international careers in soccer history by lifting the sport’s biggest prize.
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 vs Croatia: June 17, 3pm ET.
- Panama vs Croatia: June 23, 7pm ET.
- Croatia vs Ghana: June 27, 5pm ET.
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