The waiting is over and the decisions have been made. Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalic has officially submitted the final, locked-in 26-man roster to FIFA ahead of the tournament opener. Competing out of Group L, this collection of players carries the hopes of the nation onto the world stage.
With the squad finalized and training camp underway, we have broken down the official roster, analyzed how the positional depth charts shake out, and mapped out the predicted opening-match starting lineup based on the manager’s tactical preferences.
2026 Croatia World Cup Roster
The 2026 Croatia World Cup Roster was confirmed on May 18, 2026, when Zlatko Dalic named his final 26. You can review the full squad list on the official FIFA squad announcements hub. Always check the latest injury news before playing fantasy or other related games for the World Cup.
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| Position | Player Name | Active Club Team | Official Roster Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| GK | Dominik Livakovic | Dinamo Zagreb | Projected Starter (#1) |
| GK | Dominik Kotarski | FC Kobenhavn | Primary Backup |
| GK | Ivor Pandur | Hull City | Tournament Depth / Third Keeper |
| DEF | Josko Gvardiol | Manchester City | Projected Starter |
| DEF | Duje Caleta-Car | Real Sociedad | Projected Starter |
| DEF | Josip Sutalo | Ajax | Projected Starter |
| DEF | Josip Stanisic | Bayern Munich | Projected Starter |
| DEF | Marin Pongracic | Fiorentina | Confirmed Selection / Defensive Depth |
| DEF | Martin Erlic | Midtjylland | Confirmed Selection / Defensive Depth |
| DEF | Luka Vuskovic | Hamburger SV | Confirmed Selection / Defensive Depth |
| MID | Luka Modric | AC Milan | Projected Starter |
| MID | Mateo Kovacic | Manchester City | Projected Starter |
| MID | Mario Pasalic | Atalanta | Confirmed Selection / Midfield Depth |
| MID | Nikola Vlasic | Torino | Projected Starter |
| MID | Luka Sucic | Real Sociedad | Projected Starter |
| MID | Martin Baturina | Como | Confirmed Selection / Midfield Depth |
| MID | Kristijan Jakic | Augsburg | Confirmed Selection / Midfield Depth |
| MID | Petar Sucic | Inter Milan | Confirmed Selection / Midfield Depth |
| MID | Nikola Moro | Bologna | Confirmed Selection / Midfield Depth |
| MID | Toni Fruk | Rijeka | Confirmed Selection / Midfield Depth |
| FWD | Ivan Perisic | PSV Eindhoven | Projected Starter |
| FWD | Andrej Kramaric | Hoffenheim | Confirmed Selection / Attacking Depth |
| FWD | Ante Budimir | Osasuna | Projected Starter |
| FWD | Marco Pasalic | Orlando City | Confirmed Selection / Attacking Depth |
| FWD | Petar Musa | FC Dallas | Confirmed Selection / Attacking Depth |
| FWD | Igor Matanovic | Freiburg | Confirmed Selection / Attacking Depth |
Croatia Roster Position Breakdown & Tactical Roles
Goalkeepers
- The Established #1: Dominik Livakovic occupies the starting role and will lead the defense from the back line throughout the group stage.
- The Bench Depth: Dominik Kotarski acts as the immediate primary backup option, while Ivor Pandur provides cover as the third keeper.
Defenders
- The Defensive Foundation: The back line is anchored by Josko Gvardiol, Josip Sutalo, Duje Caleta-Car, and Josip Stanisic, who are expected to command the heavy minutes.
- Tactical Cover: Marin Pongracic, Martin Erlic, and Luka Vuskovic secured their places in the final 26 to provide structural depth across the flanks and central defense.
Midfielders
- The Engine Room: Control of the pitch belongs to Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic, and Luka Sucic, who will shape the possession and set the tempo.
- Sub Impact: Mario Pasalic, Nikola Vlasic, Martin Baturina, Kristijan Jakic, Petar Sucic, Nikola Moro, and Toni Fruk provide tactical options off the bench to alter shapes or protect late-game results.
Forwards / Attackers
- The Focal Point: The attack is led by Nikola Vlasic, Ante Budimir, and Ivan Perisic.
- The Attacking Variants: Andrej Kramaric, Marco Pasalic, Petar Musa, and Igor Matanovic offer high-impact options with distinct aerial and pace-based switches.
Predicted Croatia Starting XI: Group Stage Opener
With the 26-man roster finalized, tactical patterns indicate that Croatia will lean on a primary 4-3-3 setup to attack their initial group stage matches. The lineup below is our projection based on current form and Zlatko Dalic’s selections; it is a prediction, not an official team sheet.
Predicted Lineup Layout
- Goalkeeper: Dominik Livakovic
- Defenders (Left to Right): Josko Gvardiol, Josip Sutalo, Duje Caleta-Car, Josip Stanisic
- Midfielders: Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic, Luka Sucic
- Forwards / Wingers: Nikola Vlasic, Ante Budimir, Ivan Perisic
Note: Croatia rotate at centre-forward, with Ante Budimir, Andrej Kramaric, and Petar Musa competing for the No. 9 role.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Croatia World Cup Roster
Is this the final Croatia World Cup roster?
Yes. This is the official, finalized 26-man squad as submitted to and approved by FIFA for the tournament, announced by Zlatko Dalic on May 18, 2026.
Where can I track the full tournament brackets?
To see how Croatia matches up against the rest of the field, check out our master, printable 2026 World Cup Bracket with Groups Filled In page, which includes all 12 group configurations.
Who does Croatia play in the group stage?
Croatia will play in Group L alongside England, Ghana, and Panama. You can view the full Croatia match schedule, with dates, venues, and kickoff times, on our 2026 Croatia World Cup schedule page.
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