Key facts
- Croatia has arrived in the U.S. for the World Cup, setting up camp near Washington, D.C.
- The squad features veteran stars Luka Modric (40) and Ivan Perisic (37), key to the team's past successes.
- Coach Zlatko Dalic leads Croatia for his third consecutive World Cup.
- Croatia's opening match is against England.
- The team has a history of strong World Cup performances, including a runner-up finish in 2018 and third-place finishes in 1998 and 2022.
Croatia has arrived in the United States for the World Cup, establishing its base camp in the Washington, D.C. area through the group stage. The team's roster features established stars, including 40-year-old Luka Modric and 37-year-old Ivan Perisic, who were instrumental in the team's runner-up finish in 2018 and third-place finish in 2022. Younger players like 23-year-old striker Igor Matanovic view the presence of these experienced players, along with Mateo Kovacic and Andrej Kramaric, as a significant privilege and learning opportunity.
Croatia, known as the Vatreni, has a notable World Cup history dating back to its first appearance in 1998, where it also reached the semifinals. The team's consistent performance on the global stage, marked by its distinctive checkered shirts, has cemented its reputation. The continuity extends to the coaching staff, with Zlatko Dalic leading the team for his third consecutive tournament, raising questions about whether the aging squad can maintain its high level of play.
The team's immediate challenge is a highly anticipated rematch against England in their opening match, a repeat of the 2018 semifinal. Midfielder Kristijan Jakic, who saw limited playing time in the previous World Cup, expressed a desire for more minutes and confidence in Croatia's ability to compete against top teams. Jakic also contributed two goals during the qualifying campaign, highlighting the need for the team to integrate a new generation of players as the current stars age.