World Cup warning: Dalić worried about Croatia’s problems

Zlatko Dalić

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup slowly approaching, Croatian head coach Zlatko Dalić has openly expressed concern about his squad, particularly in attack.

Croatia will be aiming to secure an extraordinary third consecutive World Cup medal, but the task ahead will be anything but easy.

Drawn into a challenging group featuring England, Panama and Ghana, Dalić, speaking to RTL, believes Croatia face one of the toughest groups at the tournament.

“This is definitely the hardest group,” Dalić said. “England vs Croatia will be the strongest match of the entire first round. We also drew Ghana from the fourth pot, the strongest and most dangerous possible opponent.”

Dalić highlighted Ghana’s quality and unpredictability, noting that many of their players compete in the English Premier League.

“They are an African team full of talent. You never know what to expect from them, and playing them in the final group match makes it even more difficult.”

While the group itself presents a major challenge, Dalić’s biggest concern lies within his own squad, specifically the lack of solutions in attack.

“The situation is not good. We are in trouble,” Dalić admitted. “Younger players are still searching for themselves. They have not imposed themselves, they have not shown enough quality, and they have not shown that they deserve a place in the national team.”

Croatia’s most reliable forward option remains Ante Budimir, who is also the oldest striker in the squad. According to Dalić, this highlights a deeper issue.

“We need a real striker, strong, powerful, fast, someone who can run in behind defenders. Unfortunately, we don’t have that player right now.”

With qualification and preparation ongoing, Dalić stressed that the next six months will be crucial. Several players will need to raise their level significantly if Croatia are to remain competitive and realistic contenders at the World Cup.

As history has shown, Croatia often thrives when doubts are highest, but with a difficult group and unresolved attacking problems, the road to another World Cup medal will demand improvement, solutions and decisive breakthroughs in the months ahead.

FIFA World Cup 2026 – Group L (Times are Eastern Time Zone, USA)

17 June 2026 – 16:00 – CROATIA – England – Dallas, AT&T Stadium

23 June 2026 – 19:00 – CROATIA – Panama – Toronto, BMO Field (Toronto Stadium)

27 June 2026 – 17:00 – CROATIA – Ghana – Philadelphia, Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia Stadium)