Mateo Kovacic
CroatiaMidfielderManchester CityMateo Kovacic goes into World Cup 2026 as a midfielder who can shape tempo and spacing for Croatia. He brings 111 caps and 5 goals into the tournament. Manchester City provides his recent club rhythm before the tournament. The focus is first-touch decisions, central spacing and the next pass after a regain.
Group L
Jun 17, 2026vs England - 3:00 PM CDT
Quick Facts
Mateo Kovacic and Croatia World Cup 2026 Squad
Croatia selected Mateo Kovacic for World Cup 2026 with a clear football task. As a midfielder, he can give the ball a safe route forward and close central lanes when possession is lost.
Kovacic is part of a group of 10 midfielders, so the opponent and match state can affect his minutes.
International Record
Mateo Kovacic brings 111 caps and 5 goals into the tournament.
Kovacic's senior international timeline dates back to 2013, which gives the record more weight than a simple squad listing.
International Record
- International record: Mateo Kovacic enters the tournament with 111 caps and 5 goals for Croatia.
- World Cup 2026 role: Croatia list Mateo Kovacic as a midfielder, with minutes linked to form, workload and game state.
- Group opponents: Croatia face England, Panama and Ghana in the group stage.
Croatia Senior Milestone
- International experience: 111 caps and 5 goals make this one of the stronger records in the squad.
Playing Style and Strengths
Kovacic's World Cup value starts with first-touch decisions, central spacing and the next pass after a regain.
Kovacic's first touch can decide whether midfield pressure becomes a problem or a chance to play forward.
- 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 Kovacic, the first match is a direct test of match rhythm and role clarity.
Panama follow on 23 June 2026 in Toronto. For Kovacic, 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
Mateo Kovacic played 6 Premier League matches for Manchester City in 2025/26, scoring 0 goals and providing 1 assist.
Kovacic's latest checked appearance came on June 2, 2026, with 58 minutes in Croatia versus Belgium.
Career Stats
Mateo Kovacic brings 111 caps and 5 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 Kovacic's form and the opponent's plan.
| Field | Verified value |
|---|---|
| Team | Croatia |
| Position | Midfielder |
| Club | Manchester City |
| Caps | 111 |
| Goals | 5 |
| Born | 6 May 1994 |
World Cup 2026 Role
Mateo Kovacic enters World Cup 2026 with Croatia as a midfielder. The senior record stands at 111 caps and 5 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 Mateo Kovacic in the Croatia World Cup 2026 squad?
Yes. Mateo Kovacic is in Croatia's World Cup 2026 squad in the checked player data.
What position does Mateo Kovacic play?
He is listed as a midfielder for Croatia.
How many international caps and goals does Mateo Kovacic have?
He enters World Cup 2026 with 111 caps and 5 goals for Croatia.
Who are Croatia's World Cup 2026 group opponents?
Croatia face England, Panama and Ghana in the group stage.
When is Mateo Kovacic's first World Cup 2026 match?
Croatia start against England on 17 June 2026 in Dallas.
What is Mateo Kovacic's latest club form?
He plays for Manchester City 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 |