As the FIFA World Cup 2026 approaches, Ghana’s technical team now have a clear understanding of the challenge that awaits in the group stage. Croatia, a perennial force in international tournament football and led by midfield maestro Luka Modrić, has unveiled its official 26-man squad for the World Cup.
At the core of the Vatreni (“The Blazers”) stands 40-year-old icon Luka Modrić, who continues to orchestrate play from midfield. He is accompanied by long-time partner Mateo Kovačić, alongside Mario Pašalić, Nikola Vlašić, Luka Sučić, and the highly rated Martin Baturina. The midfield contingent also includes Kristijan Jakić, Petar Sučić, Nikola Moro, and Toni Fruk, providing Croatia with both defensive stability and creativity
In goal, Croatia relies on the established trio of Dominik Livaković, Dominik Kotarski, and Ivor Pandur each capable of producing match-winning saves.
The defensive line is anchored by Manchester City’s Joško Gvardiol, one of the world’s most sought-after centre-backs. He is joined by Duje Ćaleta-Car, Josip Šutalo, Josip Stanišić, Marin Pongracić, Martin Erlić, and Luka Vušković.
The attack is spearheaded by veteran Ivan Perišić, Andrej Kramarić, Ante Budimir, Marco Pašalić, Petar Musa, and Igor Matanović.
For Ghana, the squad announcement confirms a formidable test. Modrić’s presence alone ensures midfield control, while Croatia’s tournament pedigree including consecutive medals in 2018 and 2022 demands that the Black Stars prepare with the utmost intensity.
This will mark Modrić’s fifth FIFA World Cup appearance. The 2018 Ballon d’Or winner, who made his World Cup debut in 2006, remains a pivotal figure for Croatia, having guided his country to a runner-up finish in 2018 and a third-place finish in 2022.
The former Real Madrid midfielder has earned 196 caps for his country and is expected to return to full fitness in time for the tournament, following his absence from the end of AC Milan’s season due to surgery for a cheekbone fracture sustained in April.
Croatia will convene on 25 May and commence preparations in Rijeka, where they will also face Belgium in a friendly match on 2 June.
On 6 June, the squad will travel to Varaždin for a friendly against Slovenia on 7 June. Two days later, the team is scheduled to depart for Washington, D.C. ahead of the World Cup.