Croatia's 2026 World Cup Squad: Key Players and Predicted XI

An unbeaten qualifying campaign, with seven wins from eight matches, has secured Croatia's place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. While a top-three finish has eluded them in the past two tournaments, Zlatko Dalic's side enters Group L alongside England, Ghana, and Panama, confident of another deep knockout-stage run.

Despite the international retirements of key figures like Marcelo Brozovic and Ivan Rakitic, the squad retains a formidable core. The legendary Luka Modric, now 40, continues to perform at the highest level for AC Milan, proving age is no barrier. Mateo Kovacic, though injury-hit at Manchester City, remains a crucial midfield partner.

Defensive and Goalkeeping Options

Dominik Livakovic is expected to start in goal, having been a penalty-shootout hero against Japan and Brazil during the 2022 World Cup. His backups—Dominik Kotarski, Ivor Pandur, and Ivica Ivusic—have just nine international caps between them, highlighting a lack of experience in reserve.

In defence, Josko Gvardiol is the standout, likely deployed at full-back. He is supported by Duje Caleta-Car, Josip Stanisic, and depth options like Crystal Palace's Borna Sosa and Tottenham's exciting youngster Luka Vuskovic, currently on loan at Hamburg.

Midfield Strength and Attacking Concerns

Croatia's midfield remains its traditional strength. Alongside Modric and Kovacic, Andrej Kramaric brings over 100 caps of experience, while Mario Pasalic, impressive for Atalanta, is expected to feature prominently.

Up front, however, questions persist. Ivan Perisic continues to deliver, but manager Dalic has rotated the central striking role without anyone claiming it outright. Ante Budimir may start due to his experience, though he has not been prolific for the Vatreni. Other options include Petar Musa, Igor Matanovic, Franjo Ivanovic, and the 33-year-old Mislav Orsic, most of whom are still young or unproven at this level.

Star Players and Predicted XI

For another surprise semi-final run, Croatia will depend on its experienced stars. Modric and Kovacic anchor the midfield, Perisic provides a goal threat, and Gvardiol solidifies the defence while offering a set-piece danger. Goalkeeper Livakovic will be ready for potential penalty shootouts in the knockout stages.

Dalic faces the challenge of fitting numerous central-minded players into one starting lineup. The predicted 4-2-3-1 formation reflects this: Livakovic; Gvardiol, Caleta-Car, Sutalo, Stanisic; Modric, Kovacic; Pasalic, Kramaric, Perisic; Budimir. The team's success will hinge on its defensive and midfield foundation, with Budimir tasked as the primary goalscorer.