Croatia
Croatia at World Cup 2026
Croatia (Vatreni) are drawn into Group L at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the first edition of the men's tournament with 48 teams. The competition runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
With a current FIFA ranking of #11, Croatia look to improve on their best finish: Runner-up (2018), 3rd (2022). Watch Luka Modrić as the player to watch in this campaign.
Group L opponents
Croatia face three group-stage opponents in the race for the top two spots (and a possible 3rd-place wildcard slot) in the Round of 32:
How Croatia qualifies for the knockout round
In the new 48-team format, two teams from each of the 12 groups automatically advance to the Round of 32. The eight best third-place finishers across all groups also advance as wildcards. Croatia need to finish top 2 of Group L to lock a guaranteed spot — or land 3rd with strong points and goal difference.
Croatia World Cup 2026 outlook
Croatia head into the 2026 FIFA World Cup as one of the most consistent tournament teams of the modern era. Since 2018 they have a World Cup final (2018) and a third-place finish (2022) — a remarkable run for a nation of under four million people. In 2026 they are drawn into Group L alongside England, Ghana, and Panama.
The Croatia World Cup 2026 squad is a blend of golden-generation experience and a refreshed spine. Luka Modrić, even in the twilight of his career, remains the metronome. Around him, Mateo Kovačić and Marcelo Brozović give Croatia arguably the most technically secure midfield in the entire group stage. Joško Gvardiol has become a top-five defender in the world, and Dominik Livaković is a proven knockout-round goalkeeper.
Croatia's path out of Group L is realistic but not guaranteed. England are clear favorites to win the group. The race for second — and the automatic Round of 32 berth that comes with it — is Croatia's to lose, but Ghana's pace on the counter is a genuine threat. Croatia's tournament ceiling, as in 2018 and 2022, is a deep knockout run powered by game management and penalty-shootout composure.
Key players
- Luka Modrić — Midfield — the creative metronome, likely his final World Cup
- Joško Gvardiol — Defense — world-class ball-playing center back
- Mateo Kovačić — Midfield — press resistance and progression
- Dominik Livaković — Goalkeeper — knockout-round shootout specialist
Croatia prediction
Most likely: Croatia finish 2nd in Group L behind England with 6–7 points, advance to the Round of 32, and — based on their last two World Cups — are a strong bet to reach at least the quarterfinals. Picking Croatia 2nd in your group standings is the chalk play; picking them to upset England for the top spot is a high-value move in Upset Bonus pools.
Croatia World Cup 2026 FAQ
Croatia are in Group L of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, alongside England, Ghana, and Panama. The top two teams advance automatically to the Round of 32, and the third-place team is eligible for one of the eight wildcard slots.
Croatia are favored to finish second in Group L and advance automatically to the Round of 32. They have reached at least the quarterfinals in each of the last two World Cups (final in 2018, third place in 2022).
Luka Modrić remains Croatia's talisman and creative leader in what is likely his final World Cup, supported by Joško Gvardiol in defense and Mateo Kovačić in midfield.
Croatia were runners-up at the 2018 World Cup and finished third at the 2022 World Cup — one of the best two-tournament runs of any nation in the world.
Will Croatia go all the way?
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