Pre-World Cup 2026 friendlies: Croatia-Slovenia, likely lineups

Croatia warms up its engines: the checkered national team takes the field at 8:45 p.m. in Varaždin in its last test match before departing for North America, where it will make its debut against England on Wednesday, June 17. Modric and his teammates qualified for the World Cup without any particular problems, but they are coming off a friendly defeat against Belgium that raised concerns at home. In contrast, Slovenia, only third in the qualifying round and out of the World Cup, is trying to find new certainties under new coach Bostjan Cesar.

Dalic is expected to field Budimir up front, with Vlasic and Baturina behind him. In midfield should be Modric, now recovered from his facial injury, along with Kovacic; on the flanks are Stanisic and Perisic. In defense fully recovered and on the field from 1′ Gvardiol.

Slovenia with the Sturm-Vipotik offensive tandem, on the flanks are Karnicik and Janza, in the middle Lovric along with Cerin and Seslar. In goal Oblak, protected by Brekalo, Bjjol and Drkusic.

Croatia-Slovenia, the probable lineups
Croatia (3-4-2-1): Livakovic; Sutalo, Vuskovic, Gvardiol; Stanisic, Modric, Kovacic, Perisic; Vlasic, Baturina; Budimir.
Slovenia (3-5-2): Oblak; Brekalo, Bijol, Drkusic; Karnicnik, Lovric, Gnezda Cerin, Seslar, Janza; Sturm, Vipotnik.