Croatia have made a habit of exceeding expectations at the FIFA World Cup. A nation of fewer than four million people, they have consistently competed with football's traditional heavyweights and arrive at the 2026 tournament determined to prove that their success is no accident. After finishing runners-up in 2018 and securing third place in 2022, Croatia enter North America with a squad capable of causing problems for any opponent.
Much of the attention will naturally fall on Luka Modrić, whose extraordinary international career continues into a seventh World Cup campaign for Croatia. The veteran midfielder remains the heartbeat of the side and will be eager to guide his nation on another memorable run before bringing the curtain down on one of football's most decorated international careers.
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Modrić remains the leader of Croatia's golden generation
Even at 40, Modrić continues to be Croatia's most influential figure. The former Ballon d'Or winner remains the team's captain, chief creator and emotional leader. His experience has been invaluable in helping Croatia navigate difficult knockout matches over the years.
Alongside him is another familiar face in Ivan Periić, whose goals and leadership have been central to Croatia's biggest World Cup moments. The experienced duo are complemented by a strong core that includes Mateo Kovačić and Joko Gvardiol, both of whom bring elite-level experience from European club football.
While Modrić and Periić provide continuity, younger talents such as Martin Baturina, Petar Sučić and Luka Sučić represent the next generation tasked with carrying Croatian football forward.
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Defensive solidity remains Croatia's biggest strength
Croatia's recent World Cup success has been built on organisation, discipline and resilience. Manager Zlatko Dalić has consistently assembled teams capable of frustrating stronger opponents before striking decisively when opportunities arise.
The defensive unit is anchored by Joko Gvardiol, widely regarded as one of the world's best defenders. His partnership with players such as Josip Šutalo and Marin Pongračić provides Croatia with a strong defensive platform.
In midfield, Mateo Kovačić offers composure and ball progression, while the presence of Modrić ensures Croatia retain their trademark ability to control matches against technically superior opponents.
Tough group but familiar challenge
Croatia's World Cup campaign begins with a heavyweight clash against England in Arlington, a match that could determine the group's final standings. They then face Panama in Toronto before concluding the group stage against Ghana in Philadelphia.
On paper, Croatia possess enough quality to advance from the group. The bigger question is whether they can once again produce the mental toughness and tactical discipline that have defined their greatest World Cup campaigns.
Croatia may no longer surprise opponents the way they once did, but they remain one of international football's most reliable tournament performers. With Modrić leading from the front and a balanced squad blending experience with youth, another deep run cannot be ruled out. If recent history has taught football fans anything, it is that writing off Croatia at a World Cup is rarely a wise decision.
