The Croatia national football team is preparing for the 2026 World Cup in the US. At the AKA Alexandria hotel, where the team is staying, a promotional event 'Croatia in the Game - Tourism, Sport, Culture, Flavors' was held. Among the main guests was American actor John Malkovich, who had a leading role in the new promotional film for Croatian tourism. Malkovich revealed how the collaboration and filming of the promotional spot for Croatia came about: 'I worked with Pete Radovich on two sports spots, and when he proposed this collaboration, I immediately agreed,' he said. Coach Zlatko Dalić sent an emotional message: 'Thank you for all the emotions and love, for the attention you give us. All this means a lot to us, it's an additional motivation,' Dalić addressed the attendees. The players and coach did not stay too long, but there was enough time for many selfies and autographs. Perišić and Modrić spent some time talking to basketball legend Toni Kukoč, and the entire team was photographed with Malkovich. The president of the Croatian Football Federation, Marijan Kustić, said that he was pleased with such events that connect Croatia and the Croatian diaspora. Minister of Sports and Tourism Tonči Glavina emphasized that this is a special evening where many connections between Croatia and the US are celebrated. Malkovich received Croatian citizenship at the beginning of May and is now a Croatian citizen. He said that this was important to him because his father's family comes from Croatia and that he has been to Croatia several times and always likes to come back. He was happy to participate in this project. It's incredible how beautiful Croatia is, what great people, what great food. He had a wonderful time in Croatia, said Malkovich.