Josip Sutalo
CroatiaDefenderAjaxJosip Sutalo goes into World Cup 2026 as a player asked to protect the box and manage pressure for Croatia. He brings 31 caps into the tournament. Ajax 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
Josip Sutalo and Croatia World Cup 2026 Squad
Croatia selected Josip Sutalo 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.
Sutalo is part of a group of 7 defenders, so the opponent and match state can affect his minutes.
International Record
Josip Sutalo brings 31 caps into the tournament.
Sutalo's record points to trust over time, but Croatia will still judge the details of each match.
International Record
- International record: Josip Sutalo enters the tournament with 31 caps and 0 goals for Croatia.
- World Cup 2026 role: Croatia list Josip Sutalo 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
Sutalo's World Cup value starts with cross defending, cover behind midfield and clean distribution from the back.
Sutalo 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 Sutalo, the first match is a direct test of match rhythm and role clarity.
Panama follow on 23 June 2026 in Toronto. For Sutalo, 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
Josip Sutalo played 24 Eredivisie matches for Ajax in 2025/26, scoring 0 goals and providing 0 assists.
Sutalo's latest checked appearance came on June 2, 2026, with 71 minutes in Croatia versus Belgium.
Career Stats
Josip Sutalo brings 31 caps into the tournament.
For Croatia, the numbers guide the selection picture, but they do not replace match readiness. The opener still has to fit Sutalo's form and the opponent's plan.
| Field | Verified value |
|---|---|
| Team | Croatia |
| Position | Defender |
| Club | Ajax |
| Caps | 31 |
| Goals | 0 |
| Born | Verified locally |
World Cup 2026 Role
Josip Sutalo enters World Cup 2026 with Croatia as a defender. The senior record stands at 31 caps and 0 goals. 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 Josip Sutalo in the Croatia World Cup 2026 squad?
Yes. Josip Sutalo is in Croatia's World Cup 2026 squad in the checked player data.
What position does Josip Sutalo play?
He is listed as a defender for Croatia.
How many international caps and goals does Josip Sutalo have?
He enters World Cup 2026 with 31 caps for Croatia.
Who are Croatia's World Cup 2026 group opponents?
Croatia face England, Panama and Ghana in the group stage.
When is Josip Sutalo's first World Cup 2026 match?
Croatia start against England on 17 June 2026 in Dallas.
What is Josip Sutalo's latest club form?
He plays for Ajax 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 |