Croatia’s Soccer DNA: Experience, Talent, and Rising Stars to Face Colombia
Croatia and Colombia both emerged with a golden generation during the 2014 World Cup qualifiers. Twelve years later, several veterans have retired, but Luka Modrić and James Rodríguez remain leaders.
Veteran core and leadership
Modrić still anchors Croatia’s midfield. He is 40 and plays for AC Milan, and Spanish media dubbed him the “Peter Pan of the Balkans”.
Zlatko Dalić has coached the national team since 2017 and is 59 years old. His record shows 103 matches, with 53 wins, 26 draws and 24 losses.
Experienced players over 30 include Ivan Perišić, Mario Pašalić, Ante Budimir, Andrej Kramarić and goalkeeper Dominik Livaković. They play for PSV, Atalanta, Osasuna, Hoffenheim and Dinamo Zagreb respectively.
Emerging and established youngsters
A talented group under 30 brings top-league experience. Names include Josip Šutalo, Marin Pongračić, Duje Ćaleta-Car and Josip Stanišić, who represent Ajax, Fiorentina, Real Sociedad and Bayern Munich.
Other candidates are Nikola Moro, Petar Šušić, Luka Sušić, Martin Baturina, Nikola Vlašić, Lovro Majer and Petar Musa. Their clubs range from Bologna and Inter to Wolfsburg and FC Dallas.
Luka Vuskovic is a 19-year-old centre-back at Hamburg who broke through in the first half of the 2025/26 season. Transfermarkt values him at 60 million euros, and Barcelona and Bayern reportedly showed interest.
Injury and selection notes
Josko Gvardiol is recovering from a tibia fracture. He plays for Manchester City and his World Cup participation remains doubtful.
Tactics and identity
Croatia’s Soccer DNA: Experience, Talent, and Rising Stars to Face Colombia captures the squad’s balance. The team leans on tactical discipline, midfield quality and defensive solidity despite generational turnover.
Road to the World Cup and potential clash
Croatia topped Group L in UEFA qualifying to reach the 2026 World Cup. Colombia secured qualification by finishing third in CONMEBOL qualifying.
The draw placed Colombia in Group K with Portugal, Uzbekistan and a playoff winner. Croatia is in Group L with England, Ghana and Panama.
If both teams finish second in their groups, they could meet in the round of 16. That match would be scheduled in Toronto, Canada.
Possible lineup and outlook
A projected eleven versus Colombia could include Dominik Livaković in goal, with Vuskovic, Šutalo and Ćaleta-Car in defense. Perišić and Stanišić would provide width while Modrić could marshal the midfield alongside Moro and Šušić.
Up front, Ante Budimir or Petar Musa are realistic options as centre-forward. Croatia aims to blend seasoned leaders with younger talent to remain competitive.
Filmogaz.com will follow Croatia’s preparations closely as the team navigates transition and seeks success at the World Cup.
