Over the last eight years, Croatia has established itself as a team that can compete with the Goliaths of international soccer.
The so called “Golden Generation” of soccer talent in the nation led it to a runner-up finish in the 2018 FIFA World Cup and a third-place finish in 2022. Even as some of its superstars have aged, the team has proven it can never be counted out of a major international competition.
Croatia will kick off its 2026 World Cup campaign at AT&T Stadium against England, looking to take down a soccer superpower that is one of the favorites to win the tournament. The teams are joined in Group L by Ghana and Panama.
Wednesday, June 17, 3 p.m. (Fox): England vs. Croatia, AT&T Stadium (Arlington)
Wednesday, June 17, 6 p.m. (FS1): Ghana vs. Panama, BMO Field (Toronto)
Tuesday, June 23, 3 p.m. (Fox): England vs. Ghana, Gillette Stadium (Foxborough, Massachusetts)
Tuesday, June 23, 6 p.m. (Fox): Panama vs. Croatia, BMO Field (Toronto)
Saturday, June 27, 4 p.m. (Fox): Panama vs. England, MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, New Jersey)
Saturday, June 27, 4 p.m. (FS1): Croatia vs. Ghana, Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia)
Playing in his fifth World Cup, this will be the swan song for Luka Modric, arguably the greatest player in Croatian national team history.
The former Ballon d’Or winner played in his first World Cup in 2006, but he truly etched himself into the history books in 2018 when he won the Golden Ball, given to the tournament’s most outstanding player. The 40-year-old midfielder for AC Milan holds his country’s record for international appearances with 196.
Modric is still considered one of the best midfielders in the world and will be looking to end his World Cup career on a high note in 2026.
In addition to Modric, Croatia boasts a true veteran presence with Manchester City midfielder Mateo Kovacic and PSV Eindhoven forward Ivan Perisic. For fans of soccer in North Texas, however, the player to watch is FC Dallas‘ Petar Musa, making his first World Cup appearance.