The Group StageWC 2026 · ANALYTICS
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CRO
Group LUEFAFIFA #11Tier 2

Croatia

Modrić leads one final golden-generation push.

0.9%
To win the cup
+11011

Tournament outlook

Finalists in 2018 and semi-finalists in 2022, Croatia keep defying age. Modrić's brilliance and a smart midfield make them dangerous once more.

Managed by Zlatko Dalić, Croatia head into the 2026 World Cup in Group L, where they face England, Ghana, Panama. With a FIFA ranking of #11, expectations are calibrated accordingly, but tournament football has a way of rewriting the script.

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Key players

LM
Luka Modrić
CM · AC Milan
JG
Joško Gvardiol
CB · Manchester City
MK
Mateo Kovačić
CM · Manchester City

Strengths & weaknesses

▲ Strengths

  • Midfield mastery
  • Tournament savvy
  • Composure

▼ Weaknesses

  • Ageing core
  • Lack of a top striker

How far can Croatia go?

Croatia will treat the group stage as their proving ground. An upset over a higher-ranked side would make their tournament a success. Follow our matchup previews and live odds throughout the group stage to track their progress.

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