Croatia coach Zlatko Dalić presented a broader list of players to the media at a recent conference, focusing on the team's preparations for the upcoming 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico (June 11 - July 19).
Croatia's World Cup Squad
Goalkeepers: Dominik Livaković, Dominik Kotarski, and Ivor Pandur.
Defenders: Joško Gvardiol, Duje Ćaleta-Car, Josip Šutalo, Josip Stanišić, Marin Pongračić, Martin Erlić, and Luka Vušković.
Midfielders: Luka Modrić, Mateo Kovačić, Mario Pašalić, Nikola Vlašić, Luka Sučić, Martin Baturina, Kristijan Jakić, Petar Sučić, Nikola Moro, and Toni Fruk.
Forwards: Ivan Perišić, Andrej Kramarić, Ante Budimir, Marco Pašalić, Petar Musa, and Igor Matanović.
On the standby list are Lovro Majer, Franjo Ivanović, Dion Drena Beljo, Ivan Smolčić, Karlo Letica, Adrian Segečić, and Luka Stojković.
Decision on Silić
Dalić specifically addressed the topic of goalkeepers, noting that Hajduk's goalkeeper Tonij Silić (22) was very close to making the list. "We prioritized continuity, which wasn't a difficult decision. Silić was considered for the standby list; he is the future of the Croatian national team, but our decision is as it stands."
Dalić’s decision to leave out Silić is a gamble, but I believe he’s got the right players to bring back that World Cup glory. What do you think about Silić's exclusion? It’s a bold move that could pay off or backfire.