ESP 16%
FRA 12%
ARG 12%
BRA 11%
ENG 10%
Tournament outlook
As of July 20, 2026, Croatia have a 2% market-implied probability of winning the 2026 World Cup (+4900), the 14th-best odds of any team, based on live model estimates.
Finalists in 2018 and semi-finalists in 2022, Croatia keep defying age. Modrić's brilliance and a smart midfield make them dangerous once more.
Managed by Zlatko Dalić, Croatia head into the 2026 World Cup in Group L, where they face England, Ghana, Panama. With a FIFA ranking of #11, expectations are calibrated accordingly, but tournament football has a way of rewriting the script.
Key players
Luka Modrić is a Croatian professional footballer who plays as a central midfielder for Serie A club AC Milan and captains the Croatia national team.
Joško Gvardiol is a Croatian professional footballer who plays as a centre-back or left-back for Premier League club Manchester City and the Croatia national team.
Mateo Kovačić is a professional footballer who plays as a central midfielder for Premier League club Manchester City and the Croatia national team.
Strengths & weaknesses
▲ Strengths
- Midfield mastery
- Tournament savvy
- Composure
▼ Weaknesses
- Ageing core
- Lack of a top striker
How far can Croatia go?
Croatia have the quality to escape the group and trouble seeded sides. A quarter-final would be a strong tournament. Follow our matchup previews and live odds throughout the group stage to track their progress.
