Croatia World Cup 2026 Squad — All 26 Players Named by Zlatko Dalic

Luka Modric at 40 — one last dance

His fifth World Cup. 196 caps. The most decorated player in Croatian history. Won the Ballon d'Or in 2018. Now at AC Milan. Suffered a fractured cheekbone in April but Dalic included him anyway. On the pitch, Modric is still capable of conducting an entire game — his vision, touch and reading of the game have barely dimmed with age. This is his farewell to international football and arguably to professional football at the highest level. One last dance on the biggest stage.

Josko Gvardiol — racing to be fit

The Manchester City defender fractured his tibia and his participation was seriously in doubt right up until the squad announcement. Dalic included him fully trusting he would be available. If fit, Gvardiol is arguably one of the two or three best defenders at the entire tournament. His physicality, pace and composure on the ball make him a nightmare for any forward. Croatia without Gvardiol is a very different proposition to Croatia with him.

Mateo Kovacic — returning from injury

The Manchester City midfielder missed most of the season with Achilles tendon problems and was also a fitness doubt. Croatia could have both Modric and Kovacic carrying injury concerns heading into the tournament — their most experienced and creative midfielders both not at full sharpness. Dalic has rolled the dice. The rewards if both are fit are enormous. The risk if either breaks down in the opening stages is significant.

Luka Vuskovic at 19 — youngest in the squad

The Hamburg defender has only four senior caps. A huge call from Dalic but a sign of faith in Croatian football's next generation. Croatia's system has always produced technically excellent defenders — Corluka, Lovren, Vida and now Gvardiol before Vuskovic. At 19 he is unlikely to start every game but his inclusion is deliberate. Dalic is already building for the future while the present still has something to offer.

Group L — England on June 17

Croatia are in Group L with England, Ghana and Panama. The England opener on June 17 is one of the most anticipated group stage matches of the tournament. England and Croatia have history — Croatia knocked England out at the 2018 World Cup semi-final with a 2-1 victory in extra time. England will be seeking revenge. Croatia will see it as a chance to announce themselves on the tournament from day one.

Croatia's extraordinary World Cup record

Third in 1998. Runners-up in 2018. Third again in 2022. Croatia consistently punch above their weight at every World Cup — a remarkable record for a country of under four million people. This squad may not have the same depth as the 2018 vintage but the mentality and tournament knowhow is embedded in this group. Never write Croatia off in a knockout tournament.

Who is in Croatia's World Cup 2026 squad?

Zlatko Dalic named a 26-man squad captained by Luka Modric. The squad includes Josko Gvardiol (Manchester City), Mateo Kovacic (Manchester City), Ivan Perisic (PSV) and Andrej Kramaric (Hoffenheim). Youngest player is Luka Vuskovic (19) from Hamburg.

Is Luka Modric in Croatia's World Cup 2026 squad?

Yes. Luka Modric is in the squad at 40, captaining Croatia at his fifth World Cup. He suffered a fractured cheekbone before the tournament but Dalic included him regardless. Now at AC Milan, this is certain to be his farewell to international football.

Who is Croatia's captain at World Cup 2026?

Luka Modric captains Croatia at his fifth and final World Cup. The 40-year-old AC Milan midfielder is Croatia's greatest ever player and won the Ballon d'Or after leading them to the 2018 World Cup final.

What group are Croatia in at World Cup 2026?

Croatia are in Group L with England, Ghana and Panama. Their opening fixture against England on June 17 is one of the most anticipated group stage games of the entire tournament.

Is Josko Gvardiol fit for World Cup 2026?

Gvardiol fractured his tibia and was a serious fitness doubt. Dalic included him trusting he would recover in time. If fit he is one of the best defenders at the tournament. His availability is crucial to Croatia's chances.

When do Croatia play England at World Cup 2026?

Croatia face England in Group L on June 17 in Dallas. Croatia beat England 2-1 in the 2018 World Cup semi-final in extra time. It is one of World Cup 2026's standout group stage fixtures.