Croatia opens World Cup with 14 players from 2022 victory over Brazil
Croatia begins its 2026 World Cup campaign against England, fielding 14 players who were part of the squad that eliminated Brazil in the 2022 quarter-finals.
Image generated with Gemini
Croatia kicks off its 2026 World Cup campaign this Wednesday against England at the Dallas Stadium in Texas. This Group L clash is particularly notable for its roster composition: 14 players in the current squad were involved in the dramatic quarter-final victory over Brazil at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The Croatian selection has preserved a significant core of the squad responsible for that historic elimination of Brazil in a penalty shootout. Key figures remain in place, including goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic, who was instrumental in the 2022 tournament.
The defensive line still features Josko Gvardiol, Josip Sutalo, Josip Stanisic, and Martin Erlic. In midfield, the experienced duo of Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic continues to lead the team, with further support from Mario Pasalic, Nikola Vlasic, Luka Sucic, and Kristijan Jakic. The attacking threat is maintained by Ivan Perisic and Andrej Kramaric.
Following their third-place finish in Qatar, the team is now focused on its opening challenge against England. The two nations share history on the biggest stage, most notably when Croatia defeated England in the 2018 semi-finals to reach their first-ever World Cup final.