Croatia has officially qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026, securing their spot after topping Group L in the UEFA qualifying. This will be their seventh World Cup appearance and fourth consecutive participation in the global tournament.
The draw has placed Croatia in Group L, alongside England, Panama, and Ghana. Croatia's coach, Zlatko Dalić, acknowledged the challenging nature of the group, particularly highlighting the match against England, a team they have frequently encountered during his leadership. He stressed the importance of a strong start and affirmed that his team will thoroughly prepare for their matches against Panama and Ghana.
Here is Croatia's schedule for the group stage matches:
- June 17, 2026: Croatia vs. England – AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX, at 4 p.m. ET.
- June 23, 2026: Croatia vs. Panama – BMO Field, Toronto, ON, at 7 p.m. ET.
- June 27, 2026: Croatia vs. Ghana – Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA, at 5 p.m. ET.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be hosted across 16 venues in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, marking the first time the tournament will feature 48 teams. The tournament will span from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
Croatia secured their qualification with a 3-1 victory over the Faroe Islands. Goals from Joško Gvardiol, Petar Musa, and Nikola Vlašić sealed the win, ensuring their place in the finals. Veteran Luka Modrić continues to be a key player for the team. In their qualifying campaign, Andrej Kramarić emerged as a top scorer with 6 goals. Ivan Perišić contributed 4 goals.
The expanded format of the 2026 World Cup promises more matches and opportunities for teams. Football fans can anticipate an exciting tournament as teams compete across North America for the coveted title.
