The Croatia national football team () represents Croatia in men's international football matches. It is governed by the Croatian Football Federation (HNS), the governing body for football in Croatia. It is a member of UEFA in Europe and FIFA in global competition. The team's colours reference two national symbols: the Croatian checkerboard and the country's tricolour. They are colloquially known as the (Blazers) and the (Checkered Ones).
Since 2000, the have qualified for every major tournament except UEFA Euro 2000 and the 2010 FIFA World Cup. At the World Cup, Croatia has finished second once (2018) and third on two occasions (1998, 2022), securing three World Cup medals. Davor à  uker won the Golden Shoe and the Silver Ball in 1998, while Luka Modriàwon the Golden Ball in 2018 and the Bronze Ball in 2022. The team has reached the quarter-finals of the UEFA European Championship twice (1996, 2008). They finished second in the UEFA Nations League in 2023. As of March 2026, Croatia maintains an Elo Rating of 1,944 with an all-time high of 2,012 recorded in 2023.
Upon its admission into FIFA in 1994 ranked 125th, they ascended to third place with their debut 1998 World Cup campaign. This marked the fastest, most volatile ascension in FIFA ranking history, making them the youngest team to ever reach a Top 10 place in the World Ranking. Croatia is the second-smallest country by population (after Uruguay) and land mass (after the Netherlands) to reach a World Cup final. At the World Cup, Croatia hold records for most penalty shoot-out played (4) and won (4) and most penalties saved in a shoot-out (3), among other team records. They were named FIFA Best Mover of the Year in 1994 and 1998, thus becoming the first national team to win the award twice.
Various unofficial sides delineated the early history of Croatian football as Croatia was not an independent entity until the late 20th century. Hugo Kinert first managed an unofficial side that played international matches in 1918âÂÂ19. In 1940, Jozo Jakopiàled the national side representing the Yugoslav Banovina of Croatia in four friendly matches. Following the 1941 Axis invasion of Yugoslavia, Germany and Italy took control of Croatia, forming the Independent State of Croatia and installing Rudolf Hitrec as an unofficial manager for two years. The side played 15 friendly matches from its re-activation in FIFA in 1941 until the end of World War II. In 1945, Croatia returned to Yugoslavia as the People's Republic of Croatia with sides active until 1956. During the nation's pre-independence, Croat footballers played for Yugoslavia at the Summer Olympics, the FIFA World Cup, and the UEFA European Championship from 1956 to 1990.
Croatia debuted their modern checkered jersey against the United States on 17 October 1990, winning 2âÂÂ1. Caretaker manager Draà ¾an JerkoviÃÂ, led the de facto national side before their formal re-admission into FIFA on 3 July 1992, winning two more friendly games against Romania in December 1990 and Slovenia in June 1991. Stanko Poklepoviàtook over team management and led them on an exhibition tour in their debut against Australia, before he was succeeded by Vlatko Markoviàin April 1993. Croatia gained admission into UEFA in June 1993, three months after qualification for the 1994 World Cup started, missing their window to enter the competition. After winning a match against Ukraine in June 1993, Markoviàwas succeeded by Miroslav Blaà ¾eviàin March 1994.
After the independence of Croatia, the newly formed Croatia entered the FIFA World Rankings in 125th place in March 1994. Blaà ¾eviàlaunched Croatia's qualifying campaign for Euro 1996 with a 2âÂÂ0 win over Estonia on 4 September 1994 and a 1âÂÂ0 away loss to Ukraine on 1 June 1995, their first competitive win and loss. After finishing first in qualifying, the team halved their spot in the World Ranking, ascending to number 62, winning FIFA's 1994 Best Mover of the Year in December 1994. In the Euro 1996 group stage, Goran Vlaoviàscored the team's first goal at a tournament, a late strike to win 1âÂÂ0 against Turkey. Croatia then beat reigning champions Denmark 3âÂÂ0, later losing to Portugal by the same scoreline. The team advanced to the knockout stage and were beaten in the quarter-finals 1âÂÂ2 by Germany. Croatia's qualifying campaign from 1998 to 1999 for Euro 2000 was unsuccessful as they finished third in their group behind FR Yugoslavia and the Republic of Ireland. Both fixtures against Yugoslavia ended in draws which prevented Croatia from qualifying by one point.
Croatia began their qualification campaign for the 1998 World Cup with an aggregate victory against Ukraine in the two-legged playoff. In the group stage, Croatia beat both Jamaica and Japan, later losing to Argentina to advance with them to the knockout stage. A 1âÂÂ0 victory over Romania moved the Croatians to the quarter-finals against Germany. Croatia beat the Germans 3âÂÂ0 with goals from Robert Jarni, Goran Vlaoviàand Davor à  uker, all after Christian Wörns had been sent off. They advanced to their first semi-final against hosts France. After a goalless first-half, Croatia led after Aljoà ¡a Asanoviàpushed past Zinedine Zidane to cross a ball downfield to à  uker who scored after a one-on-one with goalkeeper Fabien Barthez. France's defender Lilian Thuram equalized quickly after, and scored another goal later in the game to beat Croatia 2âÂÂ1. In the third place match, Croatia prevailed against the Netherlands 2âÂÂ1 to secure bronze and claim their first World Cup medal. à  uker won the Golden Shoe for scoring the most goals in the World Cup: six goals in seven games. The Croatians' performance during the late-1990s propelled them to rank third place in the FIFA World Ranking in January 1999. The team of the 1990s was dubbed the "golden generation" for their contributions to Croatia's ascension in international football.
Croatia started their qualifying campaign for the 2002 World Cup with draws against Belgium and Scotland prompting Blaà ¾eviÃÂ's resignation as head coach in October 2000. His successor, Mirko JoziÃÂ, pushed the team through the rest of qualifiers undefeated. In the group stage, Croatia narrowly lost to Mexico before beating Italy 2âÂÂ1 and sustaining a 1âÂÂ0 loss to Ecuador. The team was eliminated by one point, leading to the resignation of Joziàand succession of Otto Bariàin July 2002, their first manager born outside of Southeast Europe. During BariÃÂ's tenure, most of the remaining players from the "golden generation" squad were gradually replaced by younger players over the course of qualifying for Euro 2004. Croatia qualified in a playoff victory against Slovenia, winning 2âÂÂ1 on aggregate after Dado Prà ¡o's decisive late goal in the second leg. The team was eliminated at the group stage after drawing 0âÂÂ0 with Switzerland and 2âÂÂ2 with France, and losing 2âÂÂ4 to England. Bariàdeparted after his two-year contract expired in June 2004. Prior to launching the team's qualification for the 2006 World Cup, Zlatko KranjÃÂar succeed in July 2004. Croatia qualified undefeated, finishing top of the group ahead of Sweden and Bulgaria. In the group stage, Croatia lost their opening match against Brazil and drew 0âÂÂ0 with Japan after Darijo Srna missed a first-half penalty. A 2âÂÂ2 draw with Australia in which three players were sent off confirmed Croatia's elimination.
In July 2006, KranjÃÂar was replaced by Slaven BiliÃÂ, who introduced newer, younger players into the squad and concluded qualifying undefeated. His first match resulted in a 2âÂÂ0 victory against reigning world champions Italy during an international friendly. Croatia lost once to Macedonia and defeated England twice, resulting in their failure to qualify for the first time since 1984. Eduardo da Silva, the team's top goalscorer during qualifying, suffered an injury while playing for his club, Arsenal, leading to a reshuffle in the finals squad with less experienced players. Croatia finished their play in Group B undefeated, with a 1âÂÂ0 win over co-hosts Austria, a 2âÂÂ1 victory against Germany, and a 1âÂÂ0 win over Poland. The team achieved the maximum group stage points possible (nine) for the first time in their Euros history. Niko Kovaàand Dario à  imiàserved as captains during the group and knockout stages, respectively. Croatia pushed Turkey to a penalty shoot-out in the quarter-finals, in which the Turkish side prevailed in an upset where Luka ModriÃÂ, Mladen PetriÃÂ, and Ivan Rakitiàall missed their penalties. Croatia set multiple Euro records: fewest goals conceded (2), fewest games lost (0), and earliest goal scored.
Biliàrenewed his contract in April 2008, before the qualifying campaign for the 2010 World Cup. Croatia won 3âÂÂ0 against Kazakhstan, before enduring a 4âÂÂ1 loss to England at Stadion Maksimir, their first home loss in 14 years. The team drew 0âÂÂ0 with Ukraine and beat Andorra twice, drawing again with Ukraine and beating Belarus twice. In the final stretch of the qualifiers, England delivered Croatia's then-heaviest loss, a 5âÂÂ1 scoreline, at Wembley Stadium. The team had several injuries during qualifying and were ultimately eliminated on points, as Ukraine defeated both England and Andorra to advance in the group.
Croatia was a candidate to co-host Euro 2012 with Hungary which would have resulted in automatic qualification for both countries; UEFA ultimately selected Poland and Ukraine. The Croatians began their qualifying campaign for Euro 2012 with a 3âÂÂ0 win over Latvia, a goalless draw with Greece, and a 2âÂÂ1 win against Israel. In the qualifying playoff against Turkey, the team won 3âÂÂ0 on aggregate. They were grouped with the Republic of Ireland, Italy and defending champions Spain, opening with a 3âÂÂ1 victory over the Irish. Croatia drew with Italy 1âÂÂ1 in a match marred by disruptive fans and controversial refereeing from English official Howard Webb. Spain knocked out the side in a 0âÂÂ1 loss, which, along with 1âÂÂ1 rematch with Italy, had Croatia eliminated. Biliàretired before Euro 2012, with the Croatians continuously ranked among the top ten teams in the world during his tenure â 2007 to 2012.
Succeeding BiliÃÂ, former player Igor à  timac was appointed manager. At the same time, Davor à  uker assumed the presidency of the Croatian Football Federation in 2012 after the death of Vlatko MarkoviÃÂ. A year in, à  timac was replaced by former captain Niko KovaÃÂ. Kovaàled the team to a 2âÂÂ0 aggregate victory over Iceland in the qualifying playoffs for the 2014 World Cup with both goals coming in the home leg in Zagreb. In the group stage, Croatia opened their campaign with a 3âÂÂ1 loss to hosts Brazil. The match garnered media attention for controversial refereeing from Yuichi Nishimura which was scrutinized for a number of decisions. In their second match, Croatia won 4âÂÂ0 against Cameroon then lost 3âÂÂ1 to Mexico, finishing third in the group and missing the knockout stage.
During the qualifying campaign of Euro 2016, Croatia drew with Azerbaijan and lost to Norway, leading to KovaÃÂ's replacement with Ante ÃÂaÃÂiÃÂ. The team broke their record for most goals scored in a match with a friendly 10âÂÂ0 win over San Marino in June 2016. They topped the group stage of that year's Euros, advancing with defending champions Spain. Croatia prevailed over Turkey 1âÂÂ0 with a long-range volley goal from Luka ModriÃÂ, before drawing 2âÂÂ2 against the Czech Republic. In the latter match, Croatia led with goals from Ivan Perià ¡iàand Ivan RakitiÃÂ, while opposing Czech striker Milan à  koda and a last-minute penalty from TomÃ¡à ¡ Necid drew the match. There was severe crowd trouble and on-field flares in the game's last minutes with a steward injured by a stray firework. Croatia then defeated Spain 2âÂÂ1, confirming the Spaniards' first defeat at a Euro finals match since 2004. The Croatians were tipped as one of the tournament favourites as they entered the knockout stage with Portugal. The Portuguese prevailed 1âÂÂ0 with Ricardo Quaresma's winning goal in the 117th minute after Perià ¡iàhit the post with a header in the previous attack. Following the campaign, Darijo Srna announced his retirement and the succession of Modriàas team captain in August 2016.
Croatia qualified for the 2018 World Cup undefeated for their first five matches. Two defeats to Iceland and Turkey, as well as a draw against Finland, led to a public outcry that ousted manager ÃÂaÃÂiÃÂ. He was replaced by Zlatko DaliÃÂ, who formally qualified the team with a 2âÂÂ0 win against Ukraine, and a 4âÂÂ1 win with Greece, on aggregate, during a playoff round in the first leg in Zagreb. The 2017âÂÂ18 squad was known as Croatia's second "golden generation", referencing their 1998 counterparts, during the side's World Cup campaign that year. They topped their group with a 2âÂÂ0 victory over Nigeria, a 3âÂÂ0 win over Argentina, and a 2âÂÂ1 win against Iceland â their best-ever group stage performance.
During the knockout stage, they beat Denmark in a penalty shoot-out for the first time after goalkeeper Danijel Subaà ¡iàsaved three penalties, equalling the record for most penalties saved in a shoot-out. In the quarter-finals, Croatia drew 2âÂÂ2 with hosts Russia, becoming the first team since 1990 to win two consecutive penalty shoot-outs. Playing England in the semi-finals, Croatia equalized to force their third consecutive extra time, matching the tournament record. Mario Mandà ¾ukiàand Perià ¡iàscored as Croatia won 2âÂÂ1 making them the second-smallest country by population (after Uruguay) and land area (after the Netherlands) to reach a World Cup final. In the final they lost to France 4âÂÂ2, finishing in second place and securing the silver medal. The match was controversial for its refereeing. The team was welcomed by an estimated half a million people at their homecoming in Zagreb.
The team entered the Nations League's inaugural 2018âÂÂ19 edition in League A, along with England and Spain in January 2018. Croatia lost 6âÂÂ0 away to Spain in their first game, the side's record loss in a match. Croatia drew 0âÂÂ0 home with England, played behind closed doors due to UEFA sanctions. In a rematch with the Spanish, Croatia won 3âÂÂ2 with a goal in stoppage time, followed by a 2âÂÂ1 away defeat to England. Croatia were set to be relegated to League B until a tournament rule change retained them in League A, grouping them with Portugal, France and Sweden in the 2020âÂÂ21 tournament. Croatia lost to France and Portugal, but a victory against Sweden was sufficient to avoid relegation.
The team topped their group for the qualifying campaign of Euro 2020, with a loss to Hungary, and draws against Azerbaijan and Wales. The 2020 finals were delayed to the summer of 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, winning only two out of eight games in 2020, Croatia achieved their worst-ever aggregate win-rate. Croatia finished second in their Euros group, with a 1âÂÂ0 loss to England, a 1âÂÂ1 draw with the Czech Republic and a 3âÂÂ1 win over Scotland. They advanced to the round of 16, where they lost to Spain 5âÂÂ3 after extra time. The loss to Spain led to heightened criticism against Daliàand the team by the Croatian public, a faction of whom called for resignations. Daliàrefreshed the team roster by introducing younger debutants for the remainder of World Cup qualifying in 2021.
Croatia qualified for the 2022 World Cup with seven wins, two draws and one loss. The team advanced from group stage after a 0âÂÂ0 draw with Morocco, a 4âÂÂ1 win against Canada, and finished ahead of Belgium by a single point after drawing 0âÂÂ0. They won against Japan in a penalty shootout in the round of 16 where Dominik Livakoviàsaved three of four Japanese penalties, equalling a record held by Ricardo and Danijel Subaà ¡iÃÂ. Croatia similarly beat Brazil during the quarter-finals in an upset victory on penalties, having come from behind to draw 1âÂÂ1 in the final minutes of extra time. In the semi-final match, Croatia sustained their heaviest World Cup defeat, 3âÂÂ0 against Argentina. They prevailed 2âÂÂ1 over Morocco in the third place playoff, securing their second bronze medal.
The team topped their group in the 2023 Nations League, knocking out reigning champions France by winning 1âÂÂ0 on a penalty â their first-ever win against the French. Croatia beat the Netherlands 4âÂÂ2 in the semi-finals, advancing to their first Nations League final, against Spain. After drawing the Spanish 0âÂÂ0 in extra time, the team lost the penalty shootout 4âÂÂ5, finishing the tournament in second place. Croatia finished second in qualifying for Euro 2024, being drawn into a "group of death" with Spain, Italy, and Albania. After a 3âÂÂ0 loss to Spain, they drew 2âÂÂ2 with Albania and 1âÂÂ1 with Italy. The Italians eliminated Croatia from advancing to the knockout stage, on points, with a 98th minute stoppage-time goal from striker Mattia Zaccagni.
Croatia's modern-day team jersey was created in 1990 by Miroslav à  utej, who also designed the current coat of arms of Croatia, which also features in the Croatian national flag. The red-and-white motif is based on the Croatian checkerboard (). The typical kit color-way features red-and-white checkered shirts, white shorts and blue socks to match the Croatian tricolor (Trobojnica). There have been variants made by the kit manufacturers since the original release; the jersey design has remained consistent throughout the years and has served as a blueprint for other Croatian national sports teams and entities.
The away kits used by the team have for a period been all-blue, incorporating the red-and-white checkers as a trim. Croatia has used darker colored away kits such as the dark navy-and-black checkered design that featured prominently in the 2018 World Cup. The Vatreni have often been required to use their darker away kits even when playing at home because their opponents have red-and-white color schemes that clash with the chequers of Croatia.
The team has developed an extensive fan base since the 1990s. Following their debut run at the 1998 World Cup, there was a rise in domestic and global attention for the side. Political scientist Alex J. Bellamy observed in 2003 that the national team became a symbol of statehood in Croatia after their independence through the cultural export of football. The government's influence on team affairs eased substantially after the death of President Franjo TuÃÂman in 1999. All matches are followed and televised throughout the country, particularly during major tournaments. In November 2022, the Ministry of Science and Education issued guidance to let school children watch matches during the school day as long coursework is made up later. Following the 2018 World Cup, the Croatian Cabinet attended ministerial meetings in team jerseys, and during the 2022 World Cup, Prime Minister Andrej PlenkoviÃÂ delivered a hurried speech "[lasting] only 37 seconds" at the Euro-Mediterranean Summit to catch the quarter-finals.
The Croatian Football Federation endorses an official fan club for the team, known as ("Always Faithful"). A part of the team's support consists of fans of Dinamo Zagreb and Hajduk Split, the two largest clubs in Croatia's top domestic football league, the (HNL). Both sets of fansâÂÂBad Blue Boys from Zagreb and Torcida from SplitâÂÂhave been associated with hooliganism due to their ultra-style support. Regional support for the team also comes from Croats of Bosnia and Herzegovina, particularly from fans of domestic clubs Zrinjski Mostar and à  iroki Brijeg. The diaspora of Croatians across the United States (for ex. "Los Angeles Vatreni" fan group), Canada, Australia, and South America contribute to the majority of the side's international support. It is customary among supporters to include an inscription of their city of origin onto the Croatian flag. Fans also coordinate their vocal support and orchestrate chants during matches. One section may shout "" ("To battle, to battle") with another responding "" ("For our people"). In addition to chants, the team regularly have songs dedicated to them, such as Slaven BiliÃÂ's "" (Fiery Madness) which topped Croatian music charts during Euro 2008.
The disruptive behaviour of supporters during matches, particularly those exhibiting ultra-style fandom, has complicated national team affairs. Hooliganism, rioting, vandalism, littering, violence, use of pyrotechnics and discriminatory political expression have led to sanctions both domestically and internationally. The team has been emblematic of Croatian nationalism since the early-1990s independence of Croatia. The football federation, government, and players have made material efforts to prevent unwanted incidents to avoid damage to the perception of the team and Croatian people. This has included banning their own fans from certain games. The behaviour of fans has led to penalties and fines for the national team imposed by FIFA and UEFA. The Croatian Football Federation has been assessed significant disciplinary fines and penalties since the early 2000s. In addition to monetary fines, the team has faced tournament point deductions and have had their supporters banned. There have also been multiple acts of protest against the national team, in response to allegations of corruption.
To advance the team's charitable efforts, manager Slaven Biliàestablished the Vatreno Srce (Fiery Heart) Foundation in 2010. The primary cause of the foundation is helping children. As of 2012, the foundation made fifty donations of 1,200,000 HRK to various children's organizations. In December 2012, the foundation made 500,000 HRK on an auction of Niko KranjÃÂar's shirt and Lionel Messi's shirt that was signed by all FC Barcelona players. The auction was organised in the Esplanade Zagreb Hotel and attended by President of Croatia Ivo JosipoviÃÂ. In November 2018, the players gathered in The Westin Hotel in Zagreb to answer fans' phonecalls, the proceeds of which were donated to the Vatreno Srce Foundation. In 2018, the foundation financed Children's Hospital Zagreb and Korak u à ½ivot (A Step Into Life), a charity that helps young children raised in orphanages transition into higher education. In November 2019, more than 500,000 HRK was collected in another call event that were then directed to Children's Hospital Kantrida. In March 2020, the players collectively donated 4.2 million HRK to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and for repair of damage caused by the 2020 Zagreb earthquake. Members of national team visit and help children with special needs and their education institutions.
The national team has played in thirteen stadiums around the country. The majority of Croatia's home matches take place at Stadion Maksimir in Zagreb, the country's largest football stadium, which is also the home-ground of local football club Dinamo Zagreb. The Croatian Football Federation previously agreed on extensive plans with the government to renovate the stadium and increase its forty-thousand seating capacity, the proposal was eventually rejected by Mayor of Zagreb Milan Bandiàin 2008 due to construction costs. Home matches are occasionally played at other, smaller venues around the country. Stadion Poljud in Split has hosted some qualifying fixtures since 1995. Between 1995 and 2011, Croatia never won a competitive match at Poljud, which the local media dubbed Poljudsko prokletsvo ("the Poljud curse"). Qualifying fixtures have also been played at Stadion Kantrida in Rijeka along with Stadion Gradski Vrt in Osijek and Stadion Varteks in Varaà ¾din.
The following is a list of match results in the last 12 months, as well as any future matches that have been scheduled.
The following table provides a summary of the complete record of each Croatia manager's results in the FIFA World Cup and the UEFA European Championship.
The following players were called up for the friendly matches against Colombia and Brazil on 26 and 31 March 2026; respectively.
Caps and goals correct as of 31 March 2026, after the match against Brazil.
The following players have also been called up to the squad in the last twelve months.
Surpassing Robert Jarni's previous record of 81 appearances, Dario à  imiàwas the first player to reach 100 appearances, doing so before his retirement in 2008. Darijo Srna, Josip à  imuniàand Stipe Pletikosa collectively reached their 100th cap in February 2013. Srna was the most capped player from 2016 to 2021, with 134 appearances. He was surpassed by Luka Modriàin 2021.
The youngest player to play for Croatia is Alen HaliloviÃÂ (aged ), while the oldest is Luka ModriÃÂ ().
Davor à  uker is Croatia's highest goalscorer with a record 45 international goals from 1991 to 2002.
The team's youngest goalscorer is Luka Ivanuà ¡ec (aged ).
Champions <br /> Runners-up <br /> Third place <br /> Fourth place <br />Tournament played fully or partially on home soil
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The following is a chart of yearly averages of Croatia's FIFA World Ranking. Upon admission to FIFA in 1994, Croatia entered the World Ranking at 125th. Their debut World Cup campaign, during 1998, propelled Croatia to third place after the tournament, marking the fastest ascension in FIFA ranking history. It hit a then-record Elo rating of 2,006 points in July 1998 and maintained third place until February 1999. The national team recorded its highest Elo rating in June 2023 with 2,012 points. With an average Elo rating of 1,877 points, Croatia maintains the sixth-highest average rating in the world. As of March 2026, Croatia maintains an Elo Rating of 1,944. They are one of three teamsâÂÂalong with Colombia and FranceâÂÂto be named FIFA Best Mover of the Year more than once, winning the award in 1994 and 1998.