Dalić names Croatia squad for September World Cup qualifiers

Zlatko Dalić

Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalić has named a 23-man squad, along with four standby players, for September’s continuation of the European qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be held in the USA, Mexico and Canada.

After a highly successful June in which Croatia collected maximum points against Gibraltar and the Czech Republic – scoring 12 goals and conceding just once – the “Vatreni” face fresh challenges in their qualifying campaign.

On 5 September, Croatia will travel to the Faroe Islands, before returning to Zagreb to host Montenegro three days later.

“It was logical to keep faith with the players who performed so well throughout June, both in their preparations and in matches against Gibraltar and, especially, the Czech Republic.

Sadly, Mateo Kovačić is still recovering from surgery and cannot join us, but the most important thing is that he returns fully fit.

In agreement with the player and U-21 coach Ivica Olić, Luka Vušković will remain with the U-21s for this cycle, where he is a key player and will benefit from significant playing time,” said Dalić.

“We must not relax simply because we started well, as we know one bad day can jeopardise our ambitions. I expect the same level of motivation and determination at this gathering.

Of course, we accept the role of favourites against the Faroe Islands and Montenegro, but our obligation is to approach both matches with maximum focus so that our quality can shine through.

I am pleased that several players have taken steps forward at club level this summer, moving to stronger environments and more competitive leagues where they can continue to progress. I also hope that those still seeking a move before the end of the transfer window find the right solution.

We are monitoring a wide pool of candidates, and it is up to each of them to prove themselves at club level and fight for a national team spot.

Naturally, that motivation is even stronger in a World Cup year. After silver in Russia and bronze in Qatar, we all know what a privilege it is to represent Croatia at the World Cup, and I am sure that remains the main goal for every top Croatian footballer this season,” Dalić concluded.

The squad will assemble in Zagreb on 1 September, training there until their departure for the Faroe Islands on 4 September. After that match, the team will return to Zagreb, where they face Montenegro at Maksimir Stadium on 8 September.

Following the September fixtures, Croatia’s qualifying campaign continues with matches in October (Czech Republic, Gibraltar) and November (Faroe Islands, Montenegro).

In Group L, the Czech Republic currently lead with nine points from four matches. Croatia, with a perfect record from two games, are level on points with Montenegro, who have played three. The Faroe Islands sit on three points from three matches, while Gibraltar remain bottom without a point from four games.

Squad list for matches against the Faroe Islands and Montenegro:

Goalkeepers: Dominik Livaković, Ivica Ivušić, Dominik Kotarski

Defenders: Joško Gvardiol, Josip Juranović, Duje Ćaleta-Car, Josip Šutalo, Josip Stanišić, Marin Pongračić, Martin Erlić

Midfielders: Luka Modrić, Mario Pašalić, Lovro Majer, Martin Baturina, Kristijan Jakić, Petar Sučić, Nikola Moro, Toni Fruk

Forwards: Ivan Perišić, Andrej Kramarić, Ante Budimir, Marco Pašalić, Franjo Ivanović

Standby: Bruno Petković, Mislav Oršić, Borna Sosa, Karlo Letica