Croatia World Cup Squad Keeps Modric At The Center
Croatia have named a 26-man World Cup squad with Luka Modric still at the center of the team. Zlatko Dalic kept the experienced core that carried Croatia to recent deep tournament runs. Josko Gvardiol, Mateo Kovacic, Ivan Perisic, Andrej Kramaric, and Dominik Livakovic all make the list. Their selection gives Croatia a familiar identity before World Cup 2026.
The squad also shows Croatia’s transition plan in midfield. Martin Baturina, Luka Sucic, and Petar Sucic sit behind Modric and Kovacic as the next wave. Dalic has not handed the team fully to that group yet. Instead, he has built a roster where younger midfielders can learn inside a structure still led by senior players.
That balance fits Croatia’s recent tournament personality. They rarely overwhelm opponents for long stretches, but they protect the ball and keep games alive. Dalic has again chosen players who understand that rhythm. The squad looks built to survive difficult minutes before using midfield control to find decisive moments.
Croatia’s Full 26-Man Squad
Dalic selected three goalkeepers, seven defenders, ten midfielders, and six forwards. The midfield remains the deepest unit, with Modric, Kovacic, Pasalic, Vlasic, and several younger options available. Gvardiol gives the defence elite ball-carrying quality from the left side or center-back role. Livakovic remains the safest goalkeeping pick based on tournament trust.
Croatia’s attacking group carries experience, but it also raises the same old question. Perisic, Kramaric, and Budimir can decide games, yet Croatia have often lacked a ruthless central scorer. Petar Musa and Igor Matanovic offer alternatives if Dalic wants a more direct penalty-box target. Group L will expose any lack of pace or final-third sharpness.
| Position | Players |
|---|---|
| Goalkeepers | Dominik Livakovic (Dinamo Zagreb), Dominik Kotarski (Copenhagen), Ivor Pandur (Hull City) |
| Defenders | Josko Gvardiol (Manchester City), Duje Caleta-Car (Real Sociedad), Josip Sutalo (Ajax), Josip Stanisic (Bayern Munich), Marin Pongracic (Fiorentina), Martin Erlic (Midtjylland), Luka Vuskovic (Hamburger SV) |
| Midfielders | Luka Modric (Milan), Mateo Kovacic (Manchester City), Mario Pasalic (Atalanta), Nikola Vlasic (Torino), Luka Sucic (Real Sociedad), Martin Baturina (Como), Kristijan Jakic (FC Augsburg), Petar Sucic (Inter Milan), Nikola Moro (Bologna), Toni Fruk (Rijeka) |
| Forwards | Ivan Perisic (PSV Eindhoven), Andrej Kramaric (TSG Hoffenheim), Ante Budimir (Osasuna), Marco Pasalic (Orlando City), Petar Musa (FC Dallas), Igor Matanovic (SC Freiburg) |
Modric Still Shapes Croatia’s Tournament Plan
Modric’s role remains the story because his passing tempo still controls Croatia’s best spells. He can slow a match, draw pressure, and release runners with one touch. That skill matters against England, where Croatia may need long possession spells to reduce defensive pressure. Kovacic can carry the ball through midfield, while Modric can decide when Croatia commit bodies forward.
The schedule gives Croatia no gentle start. They face England on June 17, Panama on June 23, and Ghana on June 27. The England match may decide whether Croatia chase top spot or settle into a qualification fight. The Panama fixture then becomes the game where Croatia must turn control into goals.
What The Squad Says About Dalic’s Risk Level
Dalic has chosen continuity over a dramatic reset. That makes sense because Croatia trust tournament habits and knockout survival more than most sides. The concern is energy, especially if the older forwards and midfielders face quick turnarounds. Still, a team with Modric, Kovacic, Gvardiol, and Livakovic starts with a high floor.
The final group match against Ghana may test Croatia’s legs. Ghana can force uncomfortable running through midfield and wide channels. Croatia will need Baturina, Sucic, or another younger player to absorb minutes before the knockouts. If Dalic times those changes well, Croatia can carry their familiar tournament edge into the Round of 32.
The list also points toward a flexible midfield plan. Croatia can play with Modric and Kovacic together when they need control, then add younger legs when the game opens. That gives Dalic more ways to manage heat, travel, and late-game pressure. In a 48-team tournament, that bench management may decide whether experience remains a strength.
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Croatia’s list keeps the country’s proven tournament core intact. Dalic now needs enough freshness around Modric to survive Group L’s physical demands.
Stay tuned to FWCTimes.com for the latest FIFA World Cup 2026 updates.
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