What Croatian sports fans can look forward to in 2026

Croatian fans have plenty to look forward to in 2026

As 2026 dawns, Croatian sports enthusiasts have an action-packed year ahead, with national teams competing in several major international tournaments across different sports.

The year kicks off with a busy January.

From 10 to 25 January, the men’s water polo team will chase the European title at the European Water Polo Championship in Belgrade, Serbia.

As one of the world’s top powers in the sport, Croatia enters with high ambitions and expectations of a strong medal push.

Shortly after, from 26 January to 5 February, the women’s water polo team competes in their European Championship in Funchal, Portugal, aiming to build on recent performances.

Handball fever follows with the men’s European Handball Championship from 15 January to 1 February, hosted jointly by Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.

Croatia, who won silver last year at the World Handball Championships, faces a tough Group E in Malmö against hosts Sweden, the Netherlands, and Georgia.

Advancing to the second round is the minimum goal, with hopes of a deep run culminating in the finals in Herning, Denmark.

Futsal enthusiasts can support the national team at the European Futsal Championship from 21 January to 7 February in Latvia and Lithuania.

February brings the Winter Olympic Games from 6 to 22 February in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy.

Croatia’s contingent, including standout alpine skier Zrinka Ljutić, will compete in events like alpine skiing and cross-country skiing, with fans hopeful for strong showings on familiar European snow.

(Photo credit: Erich Spiess / Red Bull Content Pool)

The undisputed highlight comes in summer: the FIFA World Cup from 11 June to 19 July, hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

This expanded 48-team edition sees the Vatreni drawn in Group L alongside England, Panama, and Ghana.

Coach Zlatko Dalić has emphasised the challenge but stressed that topping the group opens possibilities, provided key players remain fit.

Zlatko Dalić and Luka Modrić

Tennis fans have multiple Grand Slams to anticipate. The Australian Open runs from 12 January to 1 February in Melbourne, followed by the French Open (Roland Garros) from 24 May to 7 June in Paris, Wimbledon from 29 June to 12 July and the US Open from 30 August to 13 September in New York.

Several Croatian players are expected to feature in the draws.

Donna Vekić

Throughout the year, the Croatian football team will start its Euro 2028 qualifying campaign and play Nations League matches, the women’s handball team will play qualification matches for the European Handball Championship in December, whilst the Croatian basketball team will also play World Championship qualifiers.