Hrvatski Nogometni Savez

2018 Finalists • 2022 Bronze Medalists

Qualification Journey

Croatia secured their place at the 2026 World Cup with a 3-1 victory over Faroe Islands in Rijeka on November 14, 2025. The 2018 World Cup runners-up and 2022 third-place finishers qualified with a game to spare, confirming their status as one of Europe’s most consistent footballing nations. Under the guidance of head coach Zlatko Dalić, Croatia will compete in their seventh World Cup, continuing a remarkable run of success for a nation of just four million people.

The qualification campaign demonstrated Croatian resilience:

• Topped UEFA Group L with 22 points from 9 matches
• Secured qualification with one match to spare
• Joško Gvardiol, Petar Musa, and Nikola Vlašić scored in the clinching victory
• Luka Modrić continues to orchestrate play at 40 years old
• Maintained unbeaten home record throughout qualifying

Match Analysis: Croatia 3-1 Faroe Islands

The qualification-clinching match in Rijeka started with unexpected drama when Faroe Islands’ Geza Dávid Turi scored with a deflected shot in the 16th minute, briefly silencing the home crowd. However, Croatia’s class and experience quickly showed. Manchester City defender Joško Gvardiol equalized in the 23rd minute, demonstrating the composure that has made him one of Europe’s most sought-after defenders.

After halftime, Petar Musa put Croatia ahead with his first international goal since returning to the national team after a two-year absence. The Cadiz striker finished clinically from Josip Stanišić’s assist. In complete control, Croatia added a third when Nikola Vlašić volleyed in a precise cross from veteran Ivan Perišić at the far post, sealing the victory and World Cup qualification.

Road to Qualification Excellence

Croatia’s qualifying campaign was built on their trademark combination of technical excellence and mental toughness. They began their journey in June 2025 after being involved in the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals. Despite the delayed start, Dalić’s team quickly found their rhythm with impressive victories over group opponents.

Key results included a dominant 7-0 thrashing of Gibraltar and comprehensive wins over Montenegro and Czech Republic. The Vatreni showed their ability to grind out results when needed, maintaining their focus throughout the campaign. Their only blemish was a 0-0 draw against Czech Republic, but they responded with authority in subsequent matches to ensure qualification remained in their hands.

Squad Depth and Tactical Evolution

At the heart of Croatia’s continued success is the ageless Luka Modrić. Now 40 years old, the Real Madrid maestro continues to dictate tempo and unlock defenses with his sublime technique and vision. His partnership with Mateo Kovačić provides Croatia with one of the world’s finest midfield combinations, blending experience with dynamic energy.

Zlatko Dalić has successfully integrated younger players while maintaining the core that reached consecutive World Cup semi-finals. Joško Gvardiol represents the new generation, bringing pace and technical ability to the defense. Goalkeeper Dominik Livaković, who was the hero in Qatar 2022 with his penalty shootout heroics, provides security between the posts. Meanwhile, strikers like Bruno Petković and Andrej Kramarić offer proven goal-scoring ability.

Looking Ahead to 2026 World Cup

Croatia’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup continues an extraordinary period of success for the nation. Since independence, Croatia has punched well above its weight, consistently competing with and defeating much larger footballing nations. Their results speak for themselves: third place in 1998, Round of 16 finishes in 2002 and 2018, runners-up in 2018, and third place again in 2022.

The 2026 tournament will likely be the final World Cup for several members of Croatia’s golden generation, including Modrić and Perišić. This creates additional motivation for the team to achieve one more memorable run. The expanded 48-team format provides more opportunities, though Croatia’s experience in knockout football gives them confidence they can navigate any path to glory.

Croatia heads to the 2026 World Cup determined to add to their impressive tournament record. With Luka Modrić potentially playing in his final World Cup, the Vatreni will aim to give their legendary captain the perfect send-off by challenging for football’s ultimate prize once more.