Croatia World Cup 2026

Croatia continue to defy all logic as one of the smallest nations to consistently compete at football's highest level. With a population of barely four million, the Vatreni have produced an astonishing concentration of world-class talent and achieved results that dwarf expectations for a country of their size — a World Cup final in 2018 and a third-place finish in 2022. The 2026 tournament will likely be the last stand for the legendary Luka Modrić, whose longevity and genius remain remarkable, while Joško Gvardiol has emerged as one of the world's best defenders. Croatia's greatest strengths remain midfield control and an unbreakable tournament temperament.

Croatia sealed qualification by winning UEFA Group L in November 2025. Drawn into Group L with England, Panama and Ghana, they face a rematch of the 2018 final against England but possess the midfield mastery and tournament pedigree to navigate the group and threaten another deep run for Modrić's farewell.

Zlatko Dalić sets up a possession-based 4-3-3 built around midfield mastery. Luka Modrić, even at 40, remains the conductor, Joško Gvardiol anchors the defence at Manchester City, and Mateo Kovačić supplies industry. Technical, composed and possessing rare tournament resilience, Croatia control tempo and rarely buckle under pressure.

Croatia reached the World Cup final in 2018 in Russia, losing 4-2 to France, and finished third in 2022 in Qatar. Remarkably, they also finished third on their tournament debut in 1998, when Davor Šuker won the Golden Boot. For a nation that only gained independence in 1991, Croatia's World Cup record is extraordinary — qualifying for seven of the eight tournaments since their debut.

For a nation of just four million people, Croatia's World Cup record is astonishing — a final in 2018, third place in 2022 and third on debut in 1998 — making them pound-for-pound one of the most successful football nations on earth.