Slaven Bilic names first Croatia squad; Luka Modric retained
New coach Slaven Bilic included captain Luka Modric in a 31-player list ahead of matches vs Czech Republic, Spain, England and Spain.
Slaven Bilic on 7 September 2026 unveiled his first Croatia squad after taking over the national team this summer from Zlatko Dalic. Captain Luka Modric has been included and, according to the coach, will continue representing the Croats.
Bilic confirmed he spoke with Modric for several hours and underlined that the veteran midfielder remains extremely important for the team.
Croatia travel to the Czech Republic on 26 September 2026 and three days later meet Spain. In October the team will play England and Spain at home, with fixtures scheduled in Rijeka and Split.
Bilic named a 31-player group: 25 players are on the main list while six are listed as standbys.
Squad called by Slaven Bilic
Goalkeepers: Dominik Livakovic, Dominik Kotarski, Ivo Pandur.
Defence: Josko Gvardiol, Josip Juranovic, Josip Sutalo, Josip Stanisic, Martin Erlic, Luka Vuskovic, Ivan Smolcic.
Midfield: Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic, Mario Pasalic, Nikola Vlasic, Martin Baturina, Luka Sucic, Josip Misic.
Attack: Ivan Perisic, Andrej Kramaric, Ante Budimir, Marko Pasalic, Petar Musa, Igor Matanovic, Franjo Ivanovic, Dion Drena Beljo.
Standbys (pre-call): Karlo Letica, Marin Pongracic, Kristijan Jakic, Lovro Majer, Toni Fruk, Luka Stojkovic.
Bilic’s first list is intended to combine experience and youth as he prepares Croatia for an intense autumn schedule. The inclusion of Modric signals continued reliance on his leadership as the team transitions to new coaching staff.
Photo: Croatian Football @CroatiaFooty (X)
