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Croatia

Croatia punched above their weight with a 2018 World Cup final appearance and third place in 2022. Luka Modrić's generation may be entering their twilight, but Croatia's tactical intelligence and tournament pedigree make them dangerous.

Team Basic Information

CountryCroatia
AssociationCroatian Football Federation (HNS)
Head CoachZlatko Dalić
CaptainLuka Modrić
Founded1912.6.14
Home StadiumStadion Maksimir
FIFA Ranking9th (Last updated)

Upcoming Matches

Wednesday, June 17, 2026

Group L4:00 PM ET
EnglandEngland
vs
CroatiaCroatia
AT&T Stadium

Tuesday, June 23, 2026

Group L7:00 PM ET
PanamaPanama
vs
CroatiaCroatia
BMO Field

Saturday, June 27, 2026

Group L5:00 PM ET
CroatiaCroatia
vs
GhanaGhana
Lincoln Financial Field

World Cup
Betting Insights

0.8%Prob ⚽
$28.5MVolume

Croatia consistently outperform their odds in major tournaments. Their 2018 final and 2022 third-place finish make them one of the best value picks in World Cup betting.

The Vatreni's midfield dominance means they often control matches against higher-ranked opponents, making them attractive in draw and double-chance markets.

BidsCroatia — Last: 0.8%Asks
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Team History

Croatia burst onto the world stage with a third-place finish at the 1998 World Cup. Twenty years later, they reached the final in Russia 2018, and followed up with a bronze medal in Qatar 2022. For a nation of just 4 million people, their consistency at the highest level is remarkable.

Major Achievements

Look at Croatia's history in FIFA tournaments, greatest achievements and performances on the world stage.

FIFA World Cup

Appearances6
Last performanceThird place2022
Best performanceRunners-up2018

UEFA European Championship

Appearances7
Last performanceGroup stage2024
Best performanceQuarter-finals1996, 2008

Key Players

Star Players

Luka Modrić
Real Madrid

Midfielder

Luka Modrić

Mateo Kovačić
Manchester City

Midfielder

Mateo Kovačić

Joško Gvardiol
Manchester City

Strengths and Weaknesses

An analysis of how Croatia continue to punch above their weight and the challenges of transitioning beyond the Modrić era.

Strengths

  • World-class midfield trio led by Modrić and Kovačić
  • Exceptional tournament mentality and penalty shootout record
  • Gvardiol emerging as one of the world's best young defenders
  • Tactical intelligence and ability to control games against bigger nations

Weaknesses

  • Aging midfield core — Modrić is approaching 40
  • Lack of a prolific goalscorer to convert chances
  • Small player pool limits squad depth compared to larger nations
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World Cup Expectations &
Interesting Facts

What to expect from Croatia in the upcoming tournament and fascinating facts about the Vatreni.

Upcoming Tournament Outlook

Croatia should qualify from the group stage and are capable of reaching the quarterfinals or beyond. Their tournament experience and tactical discipline make them a nightmare draw for any opponent.

The 2026 World Cup may be Modrić's last, adding emotional weight to Croatia's campaign. If the veteran midfielder can produce one more magical tournament, Croatia have the quality to surprise again.

Interesting Facts

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Croatia has never won the FIFA World Cup. Their best result was runners-up in 2018 in Russia, where they lost to France in the final. They also finished third in 1998 and 2022.
Luka Modrić is the captain of Croatia. The Real Madrid midfielder won the 2018 Ballon d'Or and is widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders in football history.
Croatia has been drawn into Group L for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 2026 World Cup is widely expected to be Luka Modrić's final World Cup. He will be 40 years old during the tournament, though his fitness and form at Real Madrid suggest he can still compete at the highest level.
Croatia have won four of five World Cup penalty shootouts. Their success is attributed to mental toughness, goalkeeper Livaković's shot-stopping ability, and a culture of composure under pressure developed through years of tournament experience.
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Tournament Chances:

Croatia are typically priced as dark horses, sitting around 15th-20th in outright markets. Their tournament pedigree suggests they offer excellent value for a deep run.

Match Betting Trends:

  • Exceptional penalty shootout record in knockout rounds
  • Midfield control leads to high possession stats
  • Matches against top teams often go to extra time

Popular Betting Markets:

  • To reach the quarter-finals
  • Draw at half-time in knockout matches
  • Croatia to qualify from group
  • Modrić man of the match

UEFA Nations League

Appearances3
Last performanceRunners-up2023
Best performanceRunners-up2023

Defender

Joško Gvardiol

Rising Talents

Dominik Livaković
Fenerbahçe

Goalkeeper

Dominik Livaković

Andrej Kramarić
Hoffenheim

Forward

Andrej Kramarić

Lovro Majer
Wolfsburg

Midfielder

Lovro Majer

  • Croatia have a population of just 3.9 million — making their World Cup final appearance in 2018 one of the greatest overachievements in football history.
  • Luka Modrić is the only player to win the Ballon d'Or between Messi and Ronaldo's dominance (2008-2023).
  • Croatia have won four of their five World Cup penalty shootouts — the best record of any nation.
  • The iconic red-and-white checkered jersey is one of the most distinctive kits in world football.

    • Conclusion

    Croatia are the ultimate tournament team. Despite their small population, the Vatreni have consistently competed at the highest level, reaching a World Cup final and finishing third twice. Luka Modrić's genius, combined with the emergence of Gvardiol and a deep midfield, ensures Croatia remain dangerous. Their ability to control matches and thrive in high-pressure situations makes them a team that no opponent wants to face in the knockout rounds.