Zlatko Dalic has announced his squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, where Croatia will take on England, Ghana and Panama in Group L.
There are few surprises among the names included in Dalic’s roster, which includes seven players on standby, but defender Josko Gvardiol is ready to make his return following the injury that kept him sidelined for a considerable period. The Manchester City star was a revelation at Qatar 2022 and will look to serve as Croatia’s defensive anchor in North America.
In midfield, Dalic can call upon an abundance of experience: Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic, Mario Pasalic, and Nikola Vlasic. These are players who played pivotal roles for the Vatreni during their run to a third-place finish in Qatar, and who will aim to be the key figures once again at the upcoming World Cup. Notably, Modric is poised to play in his fifth World Cup at the age of 40.
Meanwhile, Martin Baturina and Petar Sucic represent vital young assets from whom Dalic can draw fresh energy. Up front, Ivan Perisic, Andrej Kramaric and Ante Budimir have all firmly retained their spots. Perisic, 37, is preparing for his fourth World Cup.
Croatia’s World Cup squad
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
Standby list
Lovro Majer
Franjo Ivanovic
Dion Drena Beljo
Ivan Smolcic
Karlo Letica
Adrian Segecic
Luka Stojkovic
All squads are provisional until the final list of 26 players is announced by FIFA, following their submission by participating teams, on 2 June.
