Croatia

Where to Watch – Streaming Options

ServiceTypeCostDetails
HRT (Hrvatska Radiotelevizija) Free €0 Croatia's national public broadcaster holds primary World Cup rights. HRT airs all Vatreni national team fixtures free-to-air including Group L matches vs England (June 17, Dallas), vs Panama (June 23, Toronto) and vs Ghana (June 28, Philadelphia), plus key knockout rounds and the final. Stream free via HRT.hr and the HRT app on iOS, Android and Smart TVs.
Nova TV Free €0 Croatia's leading commercial broadcaster co-holds World Cup rights alongside HRT. Nova TV airs selected matches including additional group-stage fixtures. Streamable free via the Nova TV app. Includes Croatian commentary, pre-match shows and expert analysis. A popular alternative for Croatian viewers on match days.
Croatia National Football Team – FIFA Ranking #11 · World Cup 2026
FIFA Ranking
#11[1]
World Cup Appearances
Best Result
Runner-up
2018

Country

  • CapitalZagreb
  • Population~3.9 million
  • ContinentEurope
  • ConfederationUEFA
  • National associationHNS – Hrvatski Nogometni Savez

World Cup history

  • Titles: 0
    Croatia has never won the FIFA World Cup
  • Total appearances: 6[2]
    A remarkable return on a nation of under 4 million — three medals in the last three World Cups stands as one of the most extraordinary achievements in international football
  • 1998
    Third place — debut generation
    Croatia's first World Cup as an independent nation — Šuker's Golden Boot and a remarkable third-place finish under Miroslav Ćiro Blažević
  • 2018
    Runner-up — Russia
    Lost the final to France 4–2 — Modrić won the Golden Ball for the tournament's best player in arguably the greatest individual World Cup performance
  • 2022
    Third place — Qatar[3]
    Another bronze medal — eliminated Spain and Brazil on penalties before losing to Argentina in the semis. Dalić's finest achievement
  • 2026
    Final tournament for Modrić's generation
    Modrić's last World Cup — a squad still capable of competing with anyone, driven by the desire to go out with a trophy

Head coach

ZD
Zlatko Dalić
Since 2017[4]

The architect of Croatia's greatest ever football era — silver medal in 2018, bronze in 2022. Tactically intelligent, an outstanding man-manager and has consistently overachieved with a small footballing nation. His record of delivering medals at three consecutive World Cups is one of the finest in modern international management.[5]

Key players

Midfielder

Luka Modrić ↗

One of the greatest midfielders in football history — still performing at Real Madrid at 40+ years old. His ability to control games with passing, movement and intelligence remains extraordinary. This is almost certainly his final World Cup.

Midfielder

Mateo Kovačić ↗

Complete, tireless and technically outstanding midfielder — Premier League winner with Manchester City. Alongside Modrić, gives Croatia one of the best and most experienced midfield pairings in the entire tournament.

Defender

Joško Gvardiol ↗

Manchester City's brilliant young left-back and centre-back — one of Europe's best defenders under 25. A physical and technical force in defence who represents the next generation of Croatian excellence beyond the Modrić era.

Winger

Ivan Perišić ↗

Experienced, versatile and consistently dangerous winger and wing-back — one of Croatia's most important players for a decade across multiple major tournaments. Brings the experience and quality of a player who has performed at the very highest level.

Striker

Andrej Kramarić ↗

Clinical and technically gifted striker at Hoffenheim — a consistent scorer at international level who makes intelligent runs, links play brilliantly and finishes with conviction inside the box.

© 2026 Croatia Football Team Profile