Mario Pasalic
CroatiaMidfielderAtalantaMario Pasalic goes into World Cup 2026 as a midfield option with real game-management value for Croatia. He brings 83 caps and 11 goals into the tournament. Atalanta provides his recent club rhythm before the tournament. The focus is support angles, second-ball reactions, passing choices and defensive cover.
Group L
Jun 17, 2026vs England - 3:00 PM CDT
Quick Facts
Mario Pasalic and Croatia World Cup 2026 Squad
Croatia selected Mario Pasalic for World Cup 2026 with a clear football task. As a midfielder, he can connect midfield to attack, protect the centre and choose when to speed up the next pass.
Pasalic is part of a group of 10 midfielders, so the opponent and match state can affect his minutes.
International Record
Mario Pasalic brings 83 caps and 11 goals into the tournament.
Pasalic's record points to trust over time, but Croatia will still judge the details of each match.
International Record
- International record: Mario Pasalic enters the tournament with 83 caps and 11 goals for Croatia.
- World Cup 2026 role: Croatia list Mario Pasalic as a midfielder, 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
Pasalic's World Cup value starts with support angles, second-ball reactions, passing choices and defensive cover.
On the ball, Pasalic's value is in the angle of support and the speed of the next pass.
- Tempo control
- Pressure resistance
- Recovery runs
- Forward passing
- Second-ball duels
- Central spacing
World Cup 2026 Fixtures
Croatia start against England on 17 June 2026 in Dallas. For Pasalic, the first match is a direct test of match rhythm and role clarity.
Panama follow on 23 June 2026 in Toronto. For Pasalic, 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
Mario Pasalic played 33 Serie A matches for Atalanta in 2025/26, scoring 3 goals and providing 4 assists.
Pasalic's latest checked appearance came on June 2, 2026, with 32 minutes in Croatia versus Belgium.
Career Stats
Mario Pasalic brings 83 caps and 11 goals into the tournament.
For Croatia, the numbers guide the selection picture, but they do not replace match readiness. The opener still has to fit Pasalic's form and the opponent's plan.
| Field | Verified value |
|---|---|
| Team | Croatia |
| Position | Midfielder |
| Club | Atalanta |
| Caps | 83 |
| Goals | 11 |
| Born | 9 February 1995 |
World Cup 2026 Role
Mario Pasalic enters World Cup 2026 with Croatia as a midfielder. The senior record stands at 83 caps and 11 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 ball security, passing choices and recovery runs.
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 Mario Pasalic in the Croatia World Cup 2026 squad?
Yes. Mario Pasalic is in Croatia's World Cup 2026 squad in the checked player data.
What position does Mario Pasalic play?
He is listed as a midfielder for Croatia.
How many international caps and goals does Mario Pasalic have?
He enters World Cup 2026 with 83 caps and 11 goals for Croatia.
Who are Croatia's World Cup 2026 group opponents?
Croatia face England, Panama and Ghana in the group stage.
When is Mario Pasalic's first World Cup 2026 match?
Croatia start against England on 17 June 2026 in Dallas.
What is Mario Pasalic's latest club form?
He plays for Atalanta 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 |