Scouting intel
compiled 2026-06-21 · SonarSquad value
€269.50m
Coach
Zlatko Dalić
Form (last 5)
WDLWD
Key players
Joško GvardiolCB · Elite ball‑playing defender, physical and fast€110m
Luka VuskovicCB · Highly rated young centre‑back, aerially dominant€45m
Marcelo BrozovićDM · Screens defence, controls tempo from deep€18m
Andrej KramarićCF · Flexible forward, links play and finishes chances€12m
Shape: Croatia typically use a 4‑3‑3/4‑2‑3‑1 with a technically strong midfield as the reference point. Possession is methodical, with full‑backs providing width and centre‑backs aggressively stepping in to break lines and defend high.
Numbers: Underlying data in recent competitive games shows Croatia generating moderate xG through sustained possession rather than volume shooting, with many chances created from wide cut‑backs. Defensively, they limit shot quality reasonably well but can concede on transitions when the back line holds a high position.
Key updates
- ▸Total squad market value currently listed at €269.50m on Transfermarkt.[1]
- ▸Average age of the current squad is just under 28, indicating a blend of remaining 2018–22 core and new generation.[1]
- ▸Joško Gvardiol is rated among the most valuable defenders in world football and is Croatia’s marquee asset.[2]
- ▸Transfermarkt coverage highlights Croatia as one of the established World Cup 2026 contenders based on squad value and experience.[4][6]
Sources: Croatia – Detailed squad and total market value · Croatia – National team profile (World Cup section) · Most valuable Croatian players in the world – Transfermarkt list · Croatia – National team news and market value updates · Who will win the 2026 World Cup? Transfermarkt’s market values prediction