Croatia

Croatia — the Vatreni (The Blazers) — are drawn into Group L alongside England, Ghana, and Panama. Croatia have been one of the most consistent performers at recent World Cups: finalists in 2018, third place in 2022, and Luka Modric winning the 2018 Golden Ball.

England are the group favorites. Ghana and Panama are beatable opponents. Croatia should target second place, with the England match being the group decider.

Why this group matters: This is almost certainly Luka Modric's farewell World Cup. The 40-year-old Real Madrid legend — one of the greatest midfielders in football history — will play his final international tournament. Croatia's squad is in transition, but they have consistently overachieved at World Cups, and 2026 could produce one final surprise.

England on Matchday 1 is the group's marquee match — a rematch of the 2018 World Cup semifinal. Panama on Matchday 2 is a must-win. Ghana on Matchday 3 in Philadelphia closes the group.

Croatia have appeared in 6 FIFA World Cups (as an independent nation since 1991):

• Best finish: Runner-up (2018)
• 2018 in Russia: Croatia's greatest achievement. Modric's Golden Ball performance led them to the final, where they lost 4-2 to France. Victories over Denmark (penalties), Russia (penalties), and England en route cemented Croatia as one of the great World Cup stories.
• 2022 in Qatar: Third place, beating Morocco in the third-place match. Croatia eliminated Brazil on penalties in the quarterfinal — a result that showcased their mental strength and Livakovic's penalty-saving ability.
• 1998: Finished third at their first World Cup as an independent nation, with Davor Suker winning the Golden Boot (6 goals). Suker's chip against Denmark remains one of the great World Cup goals.
• Generational excellence: A nation of 4 million people producing two World Cup semifinals in four years is one of the most remarkable achievements in football history.

Zlatko Dalić continues as Croatia's long-serving manager, having led them through the 2018 and 2022 World Cup runs. His tenure has been defined by tactical pragmatism, player loyalty, and an ability to maximize the squad's collective strength.

• Modric and Kovacic controlling midfield with technical superiority
• Gvardiol's forward runs from defense providing an extra attacking threat
• Possession-based approach against weaker teams; compact counter-attacking against stronger ones
• Mental resilience — Croatia thrive in penalty shootouts and high-pressure moments
• Set pieces leveraging Modric's delivery and Gvardiol's aerial ability

Dalic's greatest strength is the trust his players have in him. The squad's unity and willingness to sacrifice for each other is what makes Croatia greater than the sum of their parts.

Croatian football culture punches far above the country's weight — a reflection of the national character that values fierce independence and competitive spirit.

• Checkered pride: The red-and-white checkerboard (sahovnica) is one of the most recognizable national symbols in world football. Croatian fans wear it with fierce pride.
• Diaspora strength: Croatians abroad outnumber those at home — significant communities in Germany, Australia, Canada, and the United States. Croatian-American communities in the NYC area will provide strong support at MetLife.
• "Vatreni" spirit: "The Blazers" nickname captures Croatia's intense, fiery approach. Croatian fans expect their team to fight for every ball, every match, every minute.
• 2018 unity: The 2018 World Cup run united Croatia in a way that transcended football. The Zagreb celebrations when the team returned from Russia drew over 500,000 people — more than the city's population.

Why to watch if you are a casual fan: Luka Modric's farewell is one of the great sporting send-offs. A Ballon d'Or winner, Champions League legend, and World Cup finalist playing his final matches on the biggest stage. Croatia's history of overachievement — a nation of 4 million reaching two World Cup semifinals — makes them one of the most compelling stories in tournament football. And Josko Gvardiol's emergence as a future superstar adds a new chapter.

Croatia should finish second in Group L behind England, beating Ghana and Panama while giving England a competitive match.

Prediction: Round of 16. Croatia will advance through the Round of 32 and compete in the Round of 16. The squad is older and less explosive than the 2018 and 2022 vintages, making a deep run more difficult. But Croatia's penalty-shootout expertise and big-game mentality mean they should never be written off.