Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalić has named his final 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the European side intensify preparations for the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico this summer.
The Vatreni are one of the teams standing in Ghana’s path in Group L, with the Black Stars scheduled to face the 2018 World Cup finalists in their final group-stage encounter.
The announcement offers the Black Stars technical team a clearer picture of the challenge awaiting them against one of international football’s most experienced tournament sides.
Croatia have built a reputation for consistently performing on the biggest stage, reaching the final of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia before losing to France, and following it up with a quarter final appearance at the 2022 tournament in Qatar.
At the centre of Croatia’s squad is veteran midfielder Luka Modrić, who is set to feature at his fifth FIFA World Cup. The 40-year-old remains the heartbeat of the Croatian midfield and continues to command enormous respect in world football for his composure, vision and leadership.
Modrić, winner of the 2018 Ballon d’Or, made his World Cup debut in 2006 and has since become Croatia’s most influential football figure. He has earned 196 caps for his country and is expected to recover fully in time for the tournament after missing the closing stages of AC Milan’s season following surgery on a cheekbone fracture sustained in April.
Midfield Depth and Defensive Solidity Highlight Croatia’s Strength
Croatia’s midfield once again appears to be their strongest department. Alongside Modrić is Mateo Kovačić, with additional quality provided by Mario Pašalić, Nikola Vlašić, Luka Sučić and highly rated youngster Martin Baturina. The squad also includes Kristijan Jakić, Petar Sučić, Nikola Moro and Toni Fruk, giving Dalić a wide range of options in both attack and defensive transitions.
In goal, Croatia will rely on the experienced Dominik Livaković alongside Dominik Kotarski and Ivor Pandur. Livaković in particular remains a key figure after his heroics at previous major tournaments.
Defensively, the Croatians boast one of Europe’s most formidable back lines led by Joško Gvardiol of Manchester City. The highly rated defender is joined by Duje Ćaleta-Car, Josip Šutalo, Josip Stanišić, Marin Pongracić, Martin Erlić and teenage prospect Luka Vušković.
Croatia’s attacking department equally carries significant experience and quality. Veteran winger Ivan Perišić leads the frontline options alongside Andrej Kramarić, Ante Budimir, Marco Pašalić, Petar Musa and Igor Matanović.
For Ghana, Croatia’s squad announcement reinforces the scale of the task ahead. Modrić’s ability to dictate the tempo of matches, combined with Croatia’s tactical discipline and tournament experience, makes them one of the most dangerous teams in the group.
The Black Stars will need to match Croatia physically and technically, particularly in midfield where the Europeans have consistently controlled games against top opposition over the years.
Croatia are scheduled to assemble on 25 May to begin preparations in Rijeka. As part of their build-up to the World Cup, they will play an international friendly against Belgium on 2 June before travelling to Varaždin for another preparatory match against Slovenia on 7 June.
The squad is expected to depart for Washington, D.C. on 9 June ahead of the start of the tournament.
Croatia open their World Cup campaign on 17 June with a heavyweight clash against England before later turning attention to the remaining Group L fixtures, including the highly anticipated meeting with Ghana in their final group game.
