Zlatko Dalić announces a mix of veterans and young talent as preparations begin
Category: Sports
On May 18, 2026, Croatia national team head coach Zlatko Dalić announced a preliminary squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be held across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The squad features a blend of experienced internationals and promising young players as Croatia gears up for the tournament, which kicks off on June 17 against England in Dallas.
This announcement comes as Croatia seeks to build on its impressive World Cup history, having finished as runners-up in 2018 and third in 2022. The preliminary squad includes 33 players, but only 26 will be finalized before the team departs for the tournament, allowing room for substitutions in case of injuries.
The preliminary lineup includes goalkeepers Dominik Livaković, Dominik Kotarski, and Ivor Pandur. The defenders are Joško Gvardiol, Duje Ćaleta-Car, Josip Šutalo, Josip Stanišić, Marin Pongračić, Martin Erlić, and Luka Vušković. Midfielders consist of Luka Modrić, Mateo Kovačić, Mario Pašalić, Nikola Vlašić, Luka Sučić, Martin Baturina, Kristijan Jakić, Petar Sučić, Nikola Moro, and Toni Fruk. The attacking players are Ivan Perišić, Andrej Kramarić, Ante Budimir, Marco Pašalić, Petar Musa, and Igor Matanović. Stand-by players include Lovro Majer, Franjo Ivanović, Dion Drena Beljo, Ivan Smolčić, Karlo Letica, Adrian Segečić, and Luka Stojković.
Dalić emphasized the fierce competition among the forwards, noting that players like Musa and Matanović are in exceptional form. He remarked, "Selection decisions were influenced by current performances," adding that Beljo was excluded not due to his performance but because of the depth in competition. "I have not yet spoken with Majer. He was injured for a long time and has been having issues at his club. His situation at the club meant he did not make the main squad," Dalić stated, referring to the decision to place Majer on the standby list.
One of the key players returning to the squad is Joško Gvardiol, who has recently recovered from injury. Dalić expressed optimism about Gvardiol's fitness, saying, "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." This confidence in Gvardiol comes after his successful tenure with Manchester City, where he played a major role in their recent successes.
Since gaining independence in the early 1990s, Croatia has emerged as a formidable force in international football. The nation, with a population of under four million, reached the World Cup final in 2018, losing to France, and secured third place in the subsequent 2022 tournament. Croatia's success can be attributed to a strong footballing culture and a steady stream of talent from domestic leagues and top European clubs.
The 2026 World Cup will see Croatia compete in Group L alongside England, Ghana, and Panama. The team's first match is scheduled for June 17 in Dallas, followed by games against Panama on June 23 in Toronto and Ghana on June 27 in Philadelphia. Croatia secured its place in the tournament by finishing first in UEFA Group L, highlighted by a decisive 3-1 home victory over the Faroe Islands.
As the tournament approaches, Croatia's preparations include friendly matches against Belgium on June 2 in Rijeka and Slovenia on June 7 in Varaždin. These matches are seen as a valuable opportunity for the coaching staff to finalize the squad and test strategies ahead of the World Cup.
With the World Cup just weeks away, the Croatian national team is set to gather on May 25 to begin its preparations. The friendly matches are expected to provide a platform for players to demonstrate their readiness and form. Dalić's focus will be on ensuring that the team gels well, especially with the inclusion of younger players alongside seasoned veterans like Modrić and Kovačić.
The Croatian coaching staff is likely to monitor player performances closely during these friendlies to finalize the roster. Dalić has previously expressed confidence in his squad's ability to compete at a high level, stating, "We have a mix of experience and youth that can take us far in this tournament." The final squad will be announced shortly before their departure for the United States, ensuring that it reflects the best possible combination of talent and form.
As anticipation builds for the tournament, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how Croatia will fare against strong opponents in Group L. With a legacy of resilience and skill, Croatia hopes to make a lasting impression in the 2026 World Cup and perhaps replicate or even surpass their past achievements.
In the coming weeks, attention will turn to Croatia as they finalize their preparations and strive for success on the world stage. The team will depart for Washington shortly after the friendly matches, setting the stage for their World Cup campaign.