The Croatia national football team finished in second place in Group L of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after three matches played. According to a report by Britannica, the Vatreni earned 6 points from two wins and one loss, securing their place in the round of 16.
The tournament was held in North America from June 11 to July 19, 2026, with Spain crowned champion. This was the first World Cup to feature 48 teams, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Croatia's Group L opponents were England, Ghana, and Panama.
How did Group L play out?
Croatia started its Group L campaign with a victory. That was followed by a loss and another win. England topped the group with 7 points, while Croatia finished with 6. Ghana came third and Panama fourth. The current data on our standings page shows Croatia had a goal difference of 0, with 5 goals scored and 5 conceded.
The final group stage result was a 2-1 loss to Portugal on July 2, 2026. This result impacted the final standings. Despite losing their last two matches, their form across the last five games reads 3 wins and 2 losses.
What was the format of the 2026 tournament?
The 2026 World Cup was the first to be hosted by three nations. A total of 16 cities across the USA, Mexico, and Canada staged 104 matches. The opening match was in Mexico City on June 11, and the final was on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The format expanded to accommodate 48 teams divided into 12 groups of four.
After the group stage, 32 teams advanced to the knockout phase. Croatia, as the runner-up in Group L, earned a spot in the round of 16. The final draw ceremony was held in December 2025 in Washington. This tournament also set a record by lasting 39 days.
What's next for Croatia after the World Cup?
Following the conclusion of the World Cup, Croatia is preparing for the resumption of UEFA Nations League action. The next fixture on the schedule is an away match against Czechia on September 26, 2026. The team's current form, which you can track on our stats page, shows a mix of success and challenges.
The squad showed character in the group phase but also suffered tough defeats. The main focus now is on consolidation and preparation for the next qualification cycle. The players and coaching staff are already planning for the upcoming match, and details on the squad can be found on our squad page.
