The Croatians will push with everything they have to add another World Cup final to their growing story.
Croatia can be seen as a relatively young football nation in the modern sense, even though its roots trace back to 1912. It became affiliated with FIFA in 1991 and soon after joined UEFA. When you place these milestones alongside Croatia’s rapid rise on the pitch, the narrative feels swift and sometimes fleeting. The country first appeared at the World Cup in 1998, marking a bold beginning for a team that would soon write some of the most memorable chapters in the tournament’s history.
That 1998 World Cup campaign in France was dramatic from the start. Croatia stunned observers by finishing third after a dramatic 2-1 win over the Netherlands in the third-place playoff. That same tournament saw France tilt the balance against Croatia, denying them a shot at their first World Cup final by edging them out 2-1 on a night when the hosts claimed the glory they sought.
Following that powerful debut, Croatia faced a rough spell at the world stage, struggling to break through the group stages from Korea/Jorea Japan 2002 onward through Brazil 2014. The exception came in 2010 when they failed to qualify at all. The long-awaited resurgence didn’t come until Russia 2018, where a golden generation—led by the playmaking genius of Luka Modrić, the battles of Ivan Rakitić, and the goal-scoring instincts of Mario Mandžukić—shaped a team that reached the final and pushed France to the limit, only to fall 4-2 in a high-stakes clash.
Four years later, Croatia stood on the cusp of another surprising achievement. In Qatar 2022, under the guidance of Zlatko Dalic, the squad demonstrated resilience and tactical resilience, advancing deep into the tournament and finishing with a strong third-place showing after a celebratory run that captivated fans across Europe and North America alike. The journey underscored Croatia’s status as a persistent counterpunch, capable of rising from the margins to challenge football’s giants on the biggest stage.
In every campaign, Croatia has blended technical skill with relentless spirit. The team’s progress has often seemed meteoric—moments of extraordinary success followed by periods of rebuilding and renewal. Yet the core identity remains clear: a compact squad that plays with heart, a coaching staff focused on cohesion, and a fan base that travels with unwavering support. The path forward continues to intrigue fans who watch with the same mix of hope and caution that has defined Croatian football for decades.
As Croatia looks ahead, the aim is simple in theory yet challenging in practice: reach another World Cup final and leave a lasting mark on the sport. With a track record that includes a recent Final appearance and another deep run in the last tournament, the nation appears determined to translate talent and perseverance into sustained success on the world stage. The story of Croatian football remains one of ambition, endurance, and a stubborn belief that the best is yet to come.