#10
FIFA Ranking
6
WC Appearances
Runners-up (2018)
Best Finish
2022
Last World Cup
Road to the 2026 World Cup
Croatia secured their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup through the Europe qualification pathway. As a UEFA representative, they were among 16 teams from their confederation to earn a spot in the expanded 48-team tournament.
Currently ranked #10 in the FIFA World Rankings, Croatia enters the tournament as a championship contender team with expectations to compete at the highest level. With 6 previous World Cup appearances, they bring valuable tournament experience.
Group L Analysis
Croatia has been drawn in Group L and will face three opponents in the group stage. Each team plays 3 matches, with the top 2 advancing automatically and 8 best third-place teams also qualifying for the Round of 32.
Group L Opponents
England
FIFA Ranking: #4 • Elite opponent
Ghana
FIFA Ranking: #63 • Challenging opponent
Panama
FIFA Ranking: #45 • Moderate opponent
Group L Fixtures for Croatia
Match 67
Jun 17, 2026
England
vs.
Croatia
AT&T Stadium, Dallas
Match 70
Jun 23, 2026
Panama
vs.
Croatia
BMO Field, Toronto
Match 72
Jun 27, 2026
Croatia
vs.
Ghana
Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
Tournament Outlook
Realistic Expectations
Advance from the group stage as winners and make a deep knockout run. Quarter-finals should be the minimum expectation, with the squad quality to reach the semi-finals or Final.
Best-Case Scenario
Win the FIFA World Cup 2026. The team has the talent, experience, and tactical quality to compete with any opponent and lift the trophy.
Key Challenges
Managing expectations and pressure from fans and media. Avoiding complacency against lower-ranked opponents while staying sharp for potential clashes with other elite teams.
Can Croatia Win the World Cup?
As a top-10 FIFA-ranked team, Croatia is absolutely in the conversation for winning the 2026 World Cup. Elite teams at this level have the squad depth, tactical sophistication, and big-match experience needed to go all the way.
With previous deep World Cup runs, Croatia has proven they can perform under pressure at the highest level. A favorable draw and strong form could see them lift the trophy.
World Cup History
Croatia has appeared in 6 FIFA World Cup tournaments, demonstrating their status as a consistent qualifier on the global stage.
Their best result was Runners-up (2018), showcasing their ability to compete at the highest level of international football.
They last competed in the 2022 World Cup. As recent participants, they bring current tournament experience to 2026.
Having competed in several World Cups, Croatia has developed a tournament pedigree that will serve them well in 2026.
Predict Croatia's Tournament Journey
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Frequently Asked Questions
When does Croatia play at World Cup 2026?▾
Croatia will play their first group stage match on June 17, 2026 against England. All three group stage matches will be completed by late June 2026, with knockout stage dates depending on their final group position.
Who is in Group L with Croatia?▾
Croatia has been drawn into Group L alongside England, Ghana and Panama. Each team will play three matches in the group stage, with the top 2 teams automatically advancing to the Round of 32 and the 8 best third-place teams also qualifying.
What is Croatia's best World Cup finish?▾
Croatia's best World Cup finish is Runners-up (2018). This represents their peak performance at the World Cup and demonstrates their ability to compete at the highest level of international football.
Can Croatia win the World Cup 2026?▾
Yes, Croatia is one of the genuine contenders to win the 2026 World Cup. Ranked #10 in the FIFA World Rankings, they have the squad quality, tournament experience, and tactical expertise to compete for the title. While winning the World Cup requires excellence across seven matches and some fortune with draws and injuries, Croatia certainly has the potential to lift the trophy.