Croatia’s achievements defy their size: World Cup runners-up in 2018 and third in 2022, marshalled by the brilliant Luka Modrić. A golden era for a nation of under four million.

Their road

Group game 1 · Wed 17 Jun

at England2–4 L

Group game 2 · Tue 23 Jun

at Panama1–0 W

Group game 3 · Sat 27 Jun

vs Ghana2–1 W

Round of 32 · Thu 2 Jul

at Portugal1–2 L

Three group games are guaranteed; the knockout steps unlock as the team advances.