What Happened to Croatia National Football Team at the FIFA World Cup?

The journey of the Croatia national football team in the FIFA World Cup is a testament to national pride, tactical prowess, and the emergence of world-class talent. Since gaining independence in 1991, Croatia made its World Cup debut in 1998, immediately making a significant impact by securing a bronze medal. This inaugural performance, featuring top scorer Davor Šuker, captivated the world and established Croatia as a serious contender.

After several subsequent appearances that ended in the group stage (2002, 2006, 2014), a new 'golden generation' emerged, culminating in an extraordinary run at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. Under the guidance of coach Zlatko Dalić, who took charge in October 2017, the team, captained by Luka Modrić, reached the final, ultimately losing to France and earning a silver medal. Modrić's exceptional performances throughout the tournament earned him the Golden Ball award for the best player, further cementing his status as one of the game's greats.

Croatia continued its impressive form into the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, once again reaching the semi-finals before securing a bronze medal by defeating Morocco in the third-place play-off. This achievement solidified their reputation as a resilient and tactically disciplined side capable of competing with the world's best, despite being one of the smallest countries by population to reach a World Cup final.

In the lead-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Croatia experienced mixed results. They finished as runners-up in the 2023 UEFA Nations League, narrowly losing to Spain in the final. Their UEFA Euro 2024 campaign, however, ended in the group stage after a challenging draw against Spain, Italy, and Albania. Despite this, the team demonstrated strong form in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, topping their group undefeated with seven wins and one draw, securing direct qualification.

As of June 12, 2026, the Croatia national team is actively preparing for its seventh World Cup appearance. The squad, including a 40-year-old Luka Modrić who is expected to play in his fifth World Cup and potentially reach 200 international caps, arrived in the United States on June 9 and has set up its base camp in Alexandria, Virginia. Coach Zlatko Dalić, whose contract extends until the 2026 World Cup, continues to lead the team. Croatia has been drawn into Group L for the 2026 tournament, where they will face England, Panama, and Ghana, with their opening match scheduled for June 17 against England.