Zlatko Dalić has officially released Croatia’s preliminary squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Not many changes from the last international window, with Joško Gvardiol and Mateo Kovačić returning from injury.
Dalić once again went centre-back heavy, with Josip Stanišić being the only natural fullback option. Jakic and Perišić will likely see minutes in wide defensive roles.
Dion Beljo was left on the standby list despite scoring 38 goals for Dinamo Zagreb this season. Adrian Šegečić and Luka Stojković were also included as standby options.
Overall, a strong squad with plenty of experience and quality heading into the tournament.
Who would you have added or left out?
SN says only 26 to Rijeka
But Dalic highlighted Stojko as biggest dilemma – saying he’s completing w Wedding Boy and Fruk for a spot
So which one is it ???
And u wonder why Anonymous throws out nose picker and moron so often
Only Dalic / HNS can f up releasing the list and press conference that everyone – including players – don’t know anything
Unless it’s deliberate and he wants to keep them all on their toes – but it’s a bit late for that
Good to see Marco, Musa, Matanovic in. Marco has an X-factor and the other two played well last game.
Poor Jaga
😢
Stojko
Some guidance from Anonymous
U call Dalic and/or whoever u are closest to on the coaching staff
Today
Not tomorrow
And say “thank you very much for the call it is and HONOUR and PRIVILEGE to be called up. I want to stay sharp and match ready so want to join the Rijeka camp. Understand I’m on standby but you never know.”
Shows passion
Shows commitment
Shows desire
Shows team-first
Worse thing that happens is Dalic says “no”
But he knows you’re serious
If he says “no” then u tell him you will be training every day (be specific on what u will do / what’s the plan) until the WC starts
Don’t mention “vacation” at all in the call – that’s a nasty word – and Dalic will exclude u if he hears those words (whatever context)
Good luck
Ain’t over – stay positive – keep pushing – and are SO CLOSE
No surprises on the list. Pongračic and Moro are a waste of space, but no shock they are on there since they’re Dalić’s guys.
Smolčić is on the “standby list” even though the Brazilians were storming past him (yes, I’m aware it was an exhibition).
Are we really this thin on the back up list for defenders, regardless of what formation is used?
The squad is fine except Fruk which is retarded it concerned with squad.
What is concerning is Dalic saying guys like Budimir and kramaric are the guys, I’ve said for months only old guys that can start are Modric and perisic anyone else and sorry to say it but don’t t waste your money cause will be disappointed.
It’s not like Budimir plays in a bad league. If someone can provide the crosses for him, he can be dangerous. I liked what I saw in Split against the French not too long ago.
Budimir can score 80 goals in Spain, yet he is not compatible with us
That’s a loco comment man
Not really,
He’s played for us 36 times.
He has 6 goals.
2 – Friendlies
3- qualifiers vs. Armenia, Gibraltar and Czechia.
1- nation league goal
Doesn’t really put the fear into our opponents.
Also 35y/o
Listen ma Croatian brother some facts : third leading scorer in the best LIGA in the world with players like Mbappe and yamil to compete with also playing for a sub 500 team just think what he could do if he were on real or Barca I hope Dalic starts him man
I’m not sure but kind of expected this with Dalic though…
At least 2 names that make no sense to me why they are not called up..
1.Stojkovic
2.Smolcic
Stojkovic is a diverse player who can play mid winger and forward (only other player that Dalic has used as this role player is Mario Pasalic).. Stojkovic though brings other tools Mario does not have.. blows my mind…
Smolcic as a player that plays RB only I don’t understand this either.. Yes Jakic has been used here but why not bring the real deal as it’s a position we are depleted in options for and Ivan fills that gap..
I like Segecic but the only way he gets in here unfortunately is if Marco Pasalic aint fit enough in Dalic eyes…
I can understand keeping Moro and Jakic
I like Luka Sucic but Stojkovic would be better fit today as well as I can say Erlic/DCC would been my choice for the exchange for Ivan Smolcic..
I get why Smolcic didn’t make it guy is slow. Watching Smolcic play last friendlies makes me think Italian league is junk. Guy recovery is weak I get it I get if he was LB then maybe but RB he was like maybe 3/4option
I have no issues with Smolcic exclusion… he’s slow plus
You have Jakic / Perisic/ even Marco Pasalic who can all fill in and are versatile
My only thing is why are we brining sooo may Center Backs … why Pongracic
Like in the knockouts games if we’re down by a goal …
Let’s have a difference makers on the bench like:
– Beljo
– Stojko
– Ivanovic
– Sergecic