Croatia

UEFA · Group L

Croatia

Elo 1900 · 2.0% Champion

Tournament probabilities

Probability of reaching each round, from the Monte Carlo simulator.

Ratings

Elo1900
Base rating84
Attack80
Midfield88
Defense80
Goalkeeper82
Set pieces78
Penalties80
Form80
Volatility48
Squad depth80
Injury status86
Data quality90

Ratings

Analyst brief — Croatia going into Global Cup 2026

Editorial

Form

Probably last hurrah for Modrić-era Croatia. Comfortable qualification with the same patient core.

Style

Midfield-dominant 4-3-3, slow buildup, all roads lead through Modrić & Kovačić.

Squad

Modrić at 40 still starting; Sucic & Vlasic the next generation; Gvardiol the best LB / LCB in Europe.

Tournament ceiling

Quarter-final, with a small chance at semi if the bracket opens.

Biggest risk

Modrić's legs — if he's subbed early or unavailable in a knockout, the midfield identity collapses.

Editorial analysis from public reporting going into the tournament. Not betting advice. Not a guaranteed prediction.

Group stage fixtures

Group L
Wed, Jun 17 · 20:00 UTC
52% conf

England

Elo 2076

vs

Croatia

Elo 1881

ENG 49%Draw 19%CRO 32%

Croatia live

Scoreline cluster 1-0 / 2-1 / 1-1 · top exact 9.4%

xG 1.781.38BTTS 60%·O2.5 61%

If it opens up: 2-2at 6.4%

Match details
Group L
Tue, Jun 23 · 23:00 UTC
55% conf

Panama

Elo 1658

vs

Croatia

Elo 1881

PAN 22%Draw 19%CRO 59%

Croatia clear edge

Most likely exact 0-1 at 12.2% (low dominance — distribution is flat)

xG 1.031.88BTTS 53%·O2.5 56%

If it opens up: 1-3at 6.2%

Match details
Group L
Sat, Jun 27 · 21:00 UTC
53% conf

Croatia

Elo 1881

vs

Ghana

Elo 1570

CRO 56%Draw 19%GHA 25%

Croatia clear edge

Scoreline cluster 1-0 / 2-1 / 1-1 · top exact 11.7%

xG 1.811.11BTTS 54%·O2.5 56%

If it opens up: 3-1at 5.9%

Match details
Group X
Thu, Jul 2 · 23:00 UTC
52% conf

Portugal

Elo 1995

vs

Croatia

Elo 1881

POR 48%Draw 20%CRO 33%

Croatia live

Scoreline cluster 1-0 / 2-1 / 1-1 · top exact 9.8%

xG 1.721.37BTTS 59%·O2.5 60%

If it opens up: 2-2at 6.3%

Match details

Tactical profile

Pressing65
Possession pref.74
Directness58
High line60
Set-piece threat76
Slug · croatia