- by croatiaweek
- May 18, 2026
- in
Zlatko Dalić
Croatia national team head coach Zlatko Dalić has announced a preliminary squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be held across Canada, Mexico and the United States.
The squad announced on Monday features a mix of experienced internationals and emerging talents, as Croatia begin their final preparations for the tournament.
Goalkeepers
Dominik Livaković, Dominik Kotarski, Ivor Pandur.
Defenders
Joško Gvardiol, Duje Ćaleta-Car, Josip Šutalo, Josip Stanišić, Marin Pongračić, Martin Erlić, Luka Vušković.
Midfielders
Luka Modrić, Mateo Kovačić, Mario Pašalić, Nikola Vlašić, Luka Sučić, Martin Baturina, Kristijan Jakić, Petar Sučić, Nikola Moro, and Toni Fruk.
Attackers
Ivan Perišić, Andrej Kramarić, Ante Budimir, Marco Pašalić, Petar Musa, Igor Matanović.
Stand-by
Lovro Majer, Franjo Ivanović, Dion Drena Beljo, Ivan Smolčić, Karlo Letica, Adrian Segečić, Luka Stojković.
Dalić highlighted strong competition in the attacking department, noting that several forwards are in good form.
He pointed out that selection decisions were influenced by current performances, with players such as Musa and Matanović in strong form, while Beljo was left out due to the depth of competition rather than form alone but is on stand-by.
Dalić said his dilemmas were whether he should take five centre-backs or not.
“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.”
There was no room though for Lovro Majer.
“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. His situation at the club ultimately meant he did not make the main squad.”
World Cup Fixtures
Croatia open their 2026 World Cup campaign on 17 June against England in Dallas.
They will then face Panama on 23 June in Toronto, before concluding the group stage against Ghana on 27 June in Philadelphia.
Preparations and Friendly Matches
Croatia will gather on 25 May and begin preparations in Rijeka, where they will also face Belgium in a friendly match on 2 June.
On 6 June, the squad travels to Varaždin for a friendly against Slovenia on 7 June. Two days later, the team is scheduled to depart for Washington ahead of the World Cup.