The world has learned to respect Croatia. Rule it out at your peril. Despite possessing fewer resources and a smaller talent pool than its competitors, Croatia has established itself as an undeniable force on the international stage. Reaching the final of the 2018 World Cup was considered an extraordinary overperformance, but its subsequent third-place finish at the 2022 tournament proved it was no flash in the pan. Ballon d’Or winner Luka Modrić has been the poster boy of a golden generation, but he’s not alone in meriting praise. The AC Milan star has been joined in midfield by some similarly gifted technicians and an army of work horses, and is guided by the unflappable Zlatko Dalić. Once again, Croatia enters the 2026 World Cup aiming to exceed expectations. The Road to the World Cup Qualification record : 7W–0L-1D Goals for / against : 26 / 4 Top scorer :   Andrej Kramarić (6) Assist leader : Ivan Perišić (4) Croatia barely had to break stride during qualifying.…