Duje Caleta-Car
CroatiaDefenderReal SociedadDuje Caleta-Car goes into World Cup 2026 as a player asked to protect the box and manage pressure for Croatia. He brings 38 caps and 1 goal into the tournament. Real Sociedad provides his recent club rhythm before the tournament. The focus is cross defending, cover behind midfield and clean distribution from the back.
Group L
Jun 17, 2026vs England - 3:00 PM CDT
Quick Facts
Duje Caleta-Car and Croatia World Cup 2026 Squad
Croatia selected Duje Caleta-Car for World Cup 2026 with a clear football task. As a defender, he can stay compact around the box and choose the simple pass when pressure arrives.
Caleta-Car is part of a group of 7 defenders, so the opponent and match state can affect his minutes.
International Record
Duje Caleta-Car brings 38 caps and 1 goal into the tournament.
Caleta-Car's senior international timeline dates back to 2018, which gives the record more weight than a simple squad listing.
International Record
- International record: Duje Caleta-Car enters the tournament with 38 caps and 1 goal for Croatia.
- World Cup 2026 role: Croatia list Duje Caleta-Car as a defender, with minutes linked to form, workload and game state.
- Group opponents: Croatia face England, Panama and Ghana in the group stage.
Playing Style and Strengths
Caleta-Car's World Cup value starts with cross defending, cover behind midfield and clean distribution from the back.
Caleta-Car has to know when to play through pressure and when the safer clearance protects the team.
- Duel timing
- Compact spacing
- Set-piece defending
- First pass out
- Cover runs
- Box protection
World Cup 2026 Fixtures
Croatia start against England on 17 June 2026 in Dallas. For Caleta-Car, the first match is a direct test of match rhythm and role clarity.
Panama follow on 23 June 2026 in Toronto. For Caleta-Car, the second fixture can quickly change the selection picture if the opener leaves Croatia chasing points or protecting workload.
| Kickoff | Opponent | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Jun 17, 20263:00 PM CDT | England | Dallas Stadium, Dallas |
| Jun 23, 20267:00 PM EDT |  Panama | Toronto Stadium, Toronto |
| Jun 27, 20265:00 PM EDT |  Ghana | Philadelphia Stadium, Philadelphia |
Dates and kickoff times above are shown in the venue timezone.
Recent Form
Duje Caleta-Car played 27 LaLiga matches for Real Sociedad in 2025/26, scoring 1 goal and providing 0 assists.
Croatia will read form through actions that show in matches, not reputation alone. Training sharpness, recovery and the scoreline can still decide Caleta-Car's minutes.
Career Stats
Duje Caleta-Car brings 38 caps and 1 goal into the tournament.
For Croatia, the numbers guide the selection picture, but they do not replace match readiness. The opener still has to fit Caleta-Car's form and the opponent's plan.
| Field | Verified value |
|---|---|
| Team | Croatia |
| Position | Defender |
| Club | Real Sociedad |
| Caps | 38 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Born | 17 September 1996 |
World Cup 2026 Role
Duje Caleta-Car enters World Cup 2026 with Croatia as a defender. The senior record stands at 38 caps and 1 goal. Match role, form and group-stage needs will shape his minutes.
Croatia will judge him through training rhythm before the tournament. The useful signs are duel timing, spacing and the first pass forward.
Croatia start against England on Jun 17, 2026 in Dallas. Panama and Ghana come next in the group. The match order can affect workload and selection.
FAQ
Is Duje Caleta-Car in the Croatia World Cup 2026 squad?
Yes. Duje Caleta-Car is in Croatia's World Cup 2026 squad in the checked player data.
What position does Duje Caleta-Car play?
He is listed as a defender for Croatia.
How many international caps and goals does Duje Caleta-Car have?
He enters World Cup 2026 with 38 caps and 1 goal for Croatia.
Who are Croatia's World Cup 2026 group opponents?
Croatia face England, Panama and Ghana in the group stage.
When is Duje Caleta-Car's first World Cup 2026 match?
Croatia start against England on 17 June 2026 in Dallas.
What is Duje Caleta-Car's latest club form?
He plays for Real Sociedad in the checked player facts.
More Croatia World Cup 2026 Player Profiles
Explore more Croatia squad profiles, including teammates who can share minutes, supply service or affect the same match plan.
Group L Table
| # | Team | P | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | England | 3 | 4 | 7 |
| 2 | Croatia | 3 | 0 | 6 |
| 3 | Ghana | 3 | 0 | 4 |
| 4 | Panama | 3 | -4 | 0 |