Croatia Name World Cup Squad as Modric Eyes Fifth Tournament

Croatia named a 26-player World Cup squad with Luka Modric set for his fifth tournament. Zlatko Dalic kept the veteran core while adding younger options across defense and midfield. The decision gives Croatia a familiar spine before a demanding Group L campaign.

Modric remains the headline because he links Croatia’s 2018 final run, 2022 third-place finish and 2026 plan. The squad also includes Mateo Kovacic, Ivan Perisic, Andrej Kramaric and Josko Gvardiol. Fans following the FIFA World Cup 2026 now have Croatia’s tournament shape in clearer view.

Modric Gives Croatia One More Tournament Anchor

Modric turns Croatia’s midfield into the main story again. He brings control, tempo and tournament memory to a group that includes England, Ghana and Panama. Dalic can still build around his passing range while asking younger legs to protect space around him.

The supporting midfield group gives Croatia depth. Kovacic offers ball-carrying and pressure resistance, while Mario Pasalic, Nikola Vlasic, Luka Sucic and Martin Baturina add different attacking profiles. That range lets Croatia adjust between possession control and transition football.

Croatia’s recent World Cup record keeps expectations high. The team reached the 2018 final and finished third in Qatar 2022. That history explains why Dalic has kept trusted names while still adding younger players who can handle the pace of this tournament.

Full Croatia World Cup 2026 Squad List

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.

The list shows Dalic has not overloaded one area at the expense of another. Croatia carry three goalkeepers, a compact defensive group and a deep midfield. The forward line gives options for wide play, target work and late-box movement.

Gvardiol gives the defense its highest-profile modern anchor. Vuskovic adds a younger profile, while Stanisic and Sutalo help Croatia keep balance against quick attacks. Dalic will need that structure when Group L opens into knockout qualification pressure.

Group L Raises The Tactical Stakes

Croatia’s Group L draw forces Dalic to manage three different match types. England can test Croatia’s midfield physically, Ghana can attack with pace, and Panama can make set pieces matter. That variety makes squad balance more important than a single star name.

Modric’s workload will be a key question. Croatia can still use him to control decisive phases, yet the tournament schedule requires smart minutes. Sucic, Baturina and Petar Sucic may become important if Dalic wants more legs around the captain.

The forward group also gives Croatia useful flexibility. Kramaric can connect midfield and attack, Budimir offers penalty-area presence, and Perisic brings tournament experience from wide areas. Those choices can change how Croatia attack low blocks or chase games.

What This Means For Croatia Fans

Croatia enter the tournament with a squad built for one more deep run. The ceiling depends on whether the veteran core stays sharp through the group stage. Dalic’s younger midfielders may decide how far the team can stretch beyond familiar patterns.

Fans planning matches should watch Croatia’s opening lineup before making knockout assumptions. Group results will shape travel, World Cup 2026 tickets demand and possible Round of 32 routes. Croatia’s squad is strong enough to advance, but Group L leaves little room for slow starts.

The bigger story is continuity. Croatia have not rebuilt from scratch, because Dalic trusts a proven tournament culture. Supporters tracking FIFA World Cup news should now watch how he turns that experience into fresh energy.