Croatian football royalty is heading back onto the world stage. At the proposal of HNS president Marijan Kustić, the Croatian Football Federation has appointed Aljoša Asanović as its official ambassador for the FIFA World Cup, to be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico, reports HNS
Asanović, one of the defining figures of Croatia’s golden football generation, will represent the federation and the national team throughout the tournament, accompanying the Vatreni across North America. Widely respected for his international profile, language skills and deep connections within world football, Asanović is seen as a natural bridge between Croatia’s historic past and its modern success.
Few players embody that link better. Asanović scored Croatia’s first-ever goal in a competitive international match, fittingly against the USA in 1990, and went on to play a central role at Euro 1996 and the 1998 World Cup, where Croatia stunned the football world by winning bronze. His vision and assists helped define that era, including decisive moments against Turkey, Japan, Romania and France.
Now, more than a quarter-century later, Asanović returns in a new role, praising the current squad’s unity and passion. “There is no greater honor than being part of the national team family,” he said, welcoming the chance to support the team and the federation in any way he can.
For Croatia, the message is clear: when the world gathers for football’s biggest stage in 2026, one of the men who helped build the Vatreni legend will be there, carrying its story forward.
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