Croatia have officially unveiled their preliminary squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with veteran midfielder Luka Modrić set to headline the Vatreni once again as they prepare for another shot at global glory in North America.
Head coach Zlatko Dalić named a balanced 26-man squad on Monday, blending experienced campaigners with emerging stars ahead of the tournament that will be staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The biggest talking point remains the inclusion of the 40-year-old Modrić, who currently plays for AC Milan.
The legendary midfielder is preparing for his fifth FIFA World Cup appearance after previously featuring in the 2006, 2014, 2018 and 2022 editions. Modrić, who has already earned 196 international caps, could reach the 200-mark during the tournament.
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Croatia unveil preliminary 2026 FIFA world cup squad
Croatia’s squad also includes several household names from Europe’s top leagues. Joško Gvardiol of Manchester City returns after recovering from a long-term shin injury, while Bayern Munich defender Josip Stanišić, Ajax centre-back Josip Šutalo and Real Sociedad defender Duje Ćaleta-Car strengthen the backline.
Speaking after unveiling the squad, Dalić admitted he faced several difficult decisions, especially in defence and attack.
“Gvardiol has started playing again and he is on the list. The slight issue is that he was out for six months, but through his training and hard work I believe he will be at full fitness and in the starting line-up at the World Cup, and a great addition for us,” said Dalić.
The midfield remains Croatia’s engine room with Modrić joined by Mateo Kovačić of Manchester City, Mario Pašalić of Atalanta, Luka Sučić of Real Sociedad and Martin Baturina of Como.
In attack, Croatia boast a strong frontline led by Ivan Perišić of PSV Eindhoven, Hoffenheim striker Andrej Kramarić, Osasuna hitman Ante Budimir and FC Dallas striker Petar Musa.
Musa’s inclusion has drawn attention after his brilliant start to the MLS season with FC Dallas, where he has scored 12 goals in 13 matches. Freiburg forward Igor Matanović also earned a call-up following an impressive campaign in Germany.
Despite scoring 38 goals in 47 appearances this season, Dinamo Zagreb striker Dion Drena Beljo only made the standby list due to the fierce competition for attacking spots.
Dalić also explained the absence of Wolfsburg midfielder Lovro Majer from the main squad.
“I have not yet spoken with Majer. He was injured for a long time and has been having issues at his club. Since the last gathering in the United States, he has not started a single match. I am very sorry, but his status at the club has led to him being on the standby list,” Dalić explained.
Croatia will begin their World Cup journey on June 17 against England national football team in Dallas before facing Panama national football team on June 23 in Toronto. They will conclude the group stage against Ghana national football team on June 27 in Philadelphia.
Before heading to the tournament, Croatia will play friendly matches against Belgium national football team and Slovenia national football team as Dalić fine-tunes his squad for another World Cup campaign.
Croatia Preliminary Squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Goalkeepers
- Dominik Livaković — Dinamo Zagreb
- Dominik Kotarski — FC Copenhagen
- Ivor Pandur — Hull City
Defenders
- Joško Gvardiol — Manchester City
- Duje Ćaleta-Car — Real Sociedad
- Josip Šutalo — Ajax
- Josip Stanišić — Bayern Munich
- Marin Pongračić — Fiorentina
- Martin Erlić — FC Midtjylland
- Luka Vušković — Hamburger SV
Midfielders
- Luka Modrić — AC Milan
- Mateo Kovačić — Manchester City
- Mario Pašalić — Atalanta
- Nikola Vlašić — Torino
- Luka Sučić — Real Sociedad
- Martin Baturina — Como
- Kristijan Jakić — FC Augsburg
- Petar Sučić — Inter Milan
- Nikola Moro — Bologna
- Toni Fruk — HNK Rijeka
Forwards
- Ivan Perišić — PSV Eindhoven
- Andrej Kramarić — TSG Hoffenheim
- Ante Budimir — Osasuna
- Marco Pašalić — Orlando City SC
- Petar Musa — FC Dallas
Igor Matanović — SC Freiburg
Standby Players
Lovro Majer — VfL Wolfsburg
Franjo Ivanović — Benfica
Dion Drena Beljo — Dinamo Zagreb
Ivan Smolčić — Como
Karlo Letica — FC Lausanne-Sport
Adrian Segečić — Portsmouth
Luka Stojković — Dinamo Zagreb