Croatia's Enduring Strength
Croatia's national football team has consistently demonstrated remarkable resilience and skill on the international stage, securing third place at the 2022 World Cup and being runners-up in 2018. This sustained success is attributed to a core group of players who continue to perform at a high level, even as many of their key midfielders and forwards are in their 30s. With six players remaining from the squad that defeated England in the 2018 semi-finals, the world number 11 team is set to provide a significant challenge.
Defensive Pillars
Luka Vuskovic (Tottenham Hotspur, Age 19, Defender)
The 6ft 4in defender significantly raised his profile during a loan spell at Hamburg in 2025-26, where he was nominated for both the Bundesliga player and rookie of the season awards. Vuskovic's potential rise could be particularly beneficial if Croatia adopts a three-man defensive setup, a formation in which he has previously excelled for the national team, even scoring in a friendly against Colombia. Coach Zlatko Dalic has identified him as a future cornerstone of the Croatian defense.
Josko Gvardiol (Manchester City, Age 24, Defender)
Despite a recent four-month absence due to a fractured shinbone, Gvardiol made his return on May 13. He has been a constant presence in Croatia's defense across the last three major tournaments, notably becoming Croatia's youngest ever player in a major tournament at Euro 2020. Praised by coach Dalic as 'the best centre-back in the world' during the 2022 World Cup, Gvardiol is versatile, capable of playing in central defense in a back three or at left-back in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
Midfield Maestros
Luka Modric (AC Milan, Age 40, Midfielder)
Croatia's captain and inspirational figure, Luka Modric, has overcome a fractured cheekbone to continue his remarkable career, nearing his 200th international cap. The 2018 Ballon d'Or winner, one of only a few male players globally with such extensive international appearances, showcased his enduring class by playing his most league minutes in a season since 2010-11. His illustrious career, primarily with Real Madrid, saw him overcome initial skepticism to win numerous major trophies, including six Champions League titles.
Petar Sucic (Inter Milan, Age 22, Midfielder)
Sucic has rapidly established himself as a key figure in Croatia's midfield, enjoying a successful debut season in Italy where he secured a domestic double with Inter Milan. He featured prominently in World Cup qualifiers, demonstrating his versatility in both box-to-box and advanced midfield roles. Former international Robert Prosinecki has lauded Sucic's potential, predicting he will become a central player for the national team's new era.
Attacking Threats
Andrej Kramaric (Hoffenheim, Age 34, Forward)
Andrej Kramaric stands as Croatia's third-highest goalscorer in history, just behind Ivan Perisic and Davor Suker. He was instrumental in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, finding consistent form by playing in his preferred position behind the main striker. With a decade at Hoffenheim, where he is the club's all-time leading scorer, Kramaric brings a wealth of experience and goal-scoring ability to the Croatian attack.