Croatia's veteran stars, led by captain Luka Modric, are aiming for one last hurrah at the 2026 World Cup, but a Tottenham Hotspur defender is providing hope for the future for England's group opponents.
The Plan
Qualifiers were straightforward for the Vatreni (the Blazers), as Czechia, far from their glory days, offered the only serious challenge in the group and were the only opponents to snatch at least a draw. Coach Zlatko Dalic used some of those games to experiment and deepen his player pool. However, after Croatia secured top spot with a win over the Faroe Islands in November, Dalic stated, "I will never try to play with three at the back again." Yet, during friendlies in March against Colombia (2-1 win) and Brazil (1-3 defeat), he changed his mind, testing the formation with mixed results.
Nevertheless, this remains a plan B for the World Cup. Croatia rely heavily on Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic, and with the Manchester City duo returning from injury, Dalic is inclined to revert to a back four—either 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1—which has been a constant throughout his nine-year tenure.
Ageing Squad
Croatia will be among the oldest teams at the tournament, with roughly half or more of their starters in their 30s and captain Luka Modric now 40. This brings vast experience and a winning mentality but also raises questions: Can the old guard of Modric, Kovacic (32), Ivan Perisic (37), and Andrej Kramaric (turning 35) still compete? Are the younger, lesser-known players ready to step up? Croatia have consistently punched above their weight, and their success at the past two World Cups has set an impossibly high bar, but they seem determined to deliver one last hurrah.
The Coach
Zlatko Dalic has been in charge for almost a decade, an achievement in trigger-happy Croatia. He has earned his credit and is practically untouchable. However, he is sensitive about his contract, which ends with this World Cup. "Leave me in peace to do my job," he snapped recently. "I'm not going to sign an extension if anyone is forcing me to decide now." This is his third World Cup, having led Croatia to a silver medal in Russia and bronze in Qatar.
Star Player
It has been 20 years since Luka Modric's full international debut, and for most of that time, Croatia has been his team, built around the midfield maestro. Even though a generation or two of supporting players have come and gone, Modric remains central. Clearly, he is not the same player who won the Ballon d'Or and Champions League titles with Real Madrid, but that is often hard to tell when he is still pulling the strings for Croatia. He has been AC Milan's best player by some distance after his switch from Madrid in 2025. He scored his 29th international goal in a warm-up match against Slovenia and should surpass the 200-cap mark in North America.
One to Watch
Luka Vuskovic is a ball-playing, playmaking, scoring centre-back who is dominant in the air and has been a leader in every age category or league he has played in. At 19 and still new to the team, the Tottenham defender (loaned to Hamburg in the Bundesliga last season) has proven his worth to Dalic and is expected to start in North America. Is he ready for the biggest stage? Absolutely—just wait and see.
Unsung Hero
Mateo Kovacic has spent most of his career in Modric's shadow and has rarely been seen as a key player for Croatia. It is only when he is absent that his impact in midfield is truly appreciated. When he plays, he provides Modric with more freedom and connecting lines of play. To Dalic, Kovacic's importance is so clear that his entire approach, including formation, depends on it. If Kovacic is not at his best, Croatia are likely to switch from 4-3-3 to 4-2-3-1, or even to a back three.
Probable Starting XI
The expected lineup features a mix of experience and youth, with Modric orchestrating from midfield and Vuskovic anchoring the defence.
What to Expect from Fans
Croatia have had more than their fair share of fan trouble, with behaviour responsible for various sanctions. The team will have mass support, as always, but fans travelling to North America are expected to sing, dress up, and enjoy supporting the team rather than protesting or causing strife—or so it is hoped.
Relationship with the US/Trump
The "not mixing sport with politics" cliche remains a fixed position in Croatia, rolled out when it suits those in power. The nation's politicians have not been vocal about the Trump administration, so do not expect any opinion or attitude from the team camp. Fans may complain about prices or other issues, but generally, Croatia are unlikely to cause a stir.
