The Croatia national team ("Vatreni" - The Fiery Ones) is one of the most unique phenomena in world football. Despite a small population, their unbreakable character, relentless endurance, and tactical intelligence have written an incredible history, winning silver and bronze medals in the last two World Cups.
Croatia made their intention clear in their first World Cup appearance in 1998, finishing third. After decades competing under the Yugoslav flag, the independent Balkan nation has consistently exceeded expectations on football's biggest stage.
Reaching the final in Russia in 2018 and securing third place in Qatar in 2022, Croatia holds an incredible record of reaching the semifinals in half of the World Cups they have participated in. This is even more impressive given Croatia's population of less than four million.
Under the leadership of legendary Luka Modrić, still the team's most influential force at age 40, Croatia confidently passed the UEFA qualifiers. Zlatko Dalić's team going deep again in the 2026 World Cup would surprise no one.
Oxu.Az looks at Croatia's football past, present, and expectations for 2026.
Dalić is preparing to lead Croatia at a third consecutive World Cup after taking the team to high places in the last two tournaments. The 57-year-old took the helm in 2017 and has since turned the Balkan country into a consistently successful force in international football.
While Dalić continues to rely on Modrić and other veterans like Ivan Perišić and Andrej Kramarić, he paid special attention to integrating young players during the qualifiers. The inclusion of 18-year-old center-back Luka Vušković, as well as 20-year-olds Igor Matanović, Franjo Ivanović, and Marko Pašalić, will ensure Croatia is filled with young promising talents in North America.
