UEFA · Group L
Croatia at FIFA World Cup 2026
Croatia qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026, the first 48-team edition, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
Group L opponents
Croatia plays the following three teams in the group stage. Top 2 advance to the Round of 32; the 3rd-placed team can still advance via the best-3rd-placed playoff route (8 of 12 third-placed teams qualify).
Croatia fixtures
Croatia in the tournament
Croatia arrives at the 2026 World Cup ranked #10 in the FIFA World Ranking with a tournament strength rating of 82/100. UEFA (Europe) sends 16 teams to the 2026 expanded tournament, the largest single-confederation allocation.
The 48-team format puts Croatia in Group L with England, Ghana, Panama. On FIFA ranking alone, the group averages #30, with Croatia in the middle of the pack. Top 2 advance automatically; the best 3rd-placed teams (8 of 12) also qualify for the Round of 32.
Croatia squad for World Cup 2026
Announced May 18, 2026 · 26 players · Head coach: Zlatko Dalic
Luka Modric, at 40, makes his FIFTH World Cup -- with 196 caps, he could reach 200 during the tournament. The 2018 Ballon d'Or winner remains captain and primary playmaker. Joško Gvardiol returns from a leg injury suffered in January. Ivan Perišić, at 37, makes his fourth World Cup having scored in each of the last three.
Goalkeepers3
- Dominik Livaković(Dinamo Zagreb)
- Dominik Kotarski(Copenhagen)
- Ivor Pandur(Hull City)
Defenders7
- Joško Gvardiol(Manchester City)Returning from a January leg injury
- Duje Ćaleta-Car(Real Sociedad)
- Josip Šutalo(Ajax)
- Josip Stanišić(Bayern Munich)
- Marin Pongračić(Fiorentina)
- Martin Erlić(Midtjylland)
- Luka Vušković(Hamburg)
Midfielders10
- Luka ModrićCaptain(AC Milan)Fifth World Cup at 40; could reach 200 caps during tournament; 2018 Ballon d'Or winner
- Mateo Kovačić(Manchester City)
- Mario Pašalić(Atalanta)
- Nikola Vlašić(Torino)
- Luka Sučić(Real Sociedad)
- Martin Baturina(Como)
- Kristijan Jakić(Augsburg)
- Petar Sučić(Inter Milan)
- Nikola Moro(Bologna)
- Toni Fruk(Rijeka)
Forwards6
- Ivan Perišić(PSV Eindhoven)Fourth World Cup at 37; scored in 2014, 2018, 2022
- Andrej Kramarić(Hoffenheim)
- Ante Budimir(Osasuna)
- Marco Pašalić(Orlando City)
- Petar Musa(FC Dallas)
- Igor Matanović(Freiburg)
Sources: Sky Sports, Olympics.com. Squads may change due to injury or disciplinary action before the tournament.
Croatia analysis
Frequently asked questions about Croatia
When does Croatia play at the FIFA World Cup 2026?
Croatia plays 3 scheduled group-stage matches starting June 17, 2026. The opener is against ENG. See the full fixtures list below for every kickoff time and venue.
What group is Croatia in at the World Cup 2026?
Croatia is in Group L alongside England, Ghana, Panama. The top two from each group advance to the Round of 32, plus the 8 best 3rd-placed teams across all 12 groups.
What is Croatia's FIFA ranking?
Croatia entered the FIFA World Cup 2026 ranked #10 in the FIFA World Ranking. This places them in the top 10 globally. Rankings update through the qualification cycle.
Can Croatia win the World Cup 2026?
Croatia's pre-tournament strength rating is 82/100, derived from FIFA ranking, recent form, and squad depth. They are realistic dark horses capable of reaching the latter rounds. Try them in the bracket predictor to test your scenario.