For almost 10 years, Croatian football has been defined by one extraordinary figure: Luka Modrić. Right now you can also use the 1xBet download PC platform to bet on Modrić and many other talented footballers.
The Real Madrid and Ballon d’Or-winning midfielder has been the symbol of the “Vatreni” generation that has done 3 things:
- reach the 2018 World Cup final;
- win bronze at the 2022 World Cup;
- and consistently challenged much larger football nations despite Croatia’s small population.
His eventual departure will mark the end of an era, but it does not necessarily mean the end of Croatia’s competitiveness. Another great reason to download the PC version of 1xBet is to bet on the Croatian national side too.
The biggest challenge after Modrić will be replacing not only his technical quality but also his leadership, composure, and ability to control matches. Croatia’s midfield identity has been built around players who can dominate possession and manage pressure, and no single player is likely to replicate Modrić’s influence. Instead, the national team will need a collective solution.
A nation that still enjoys plenty of football talent
The next generation already has several promising candidates. Players such as Mateo Kovačić, who has been part of Croatia’s midfield core for years, are expected to provide experience during the transition. Meanwhile, there are many younger talents that are likely to become the leaders of the Croatian teams in the upcoming years, with 3 of them being Martin Baturina, Petar Sučić and Luka Sučić.
Defensively, Croatia appears better prepared for the future. Joško Gvardiol has developed into one of Europe’s elite defenders and is expected to become a central figure in the next Croatian side. Josip Stanišić and other emerging defenders provide additional depth, giving Croatia a strong foundation as the team evolves.
The main question will be whether Croatia can maintain its famous tournament mentality. Under Zlatko Dalić, the national team became known for 3 aspects: resilience, tactical discipline, and confidence in difficult matches. Dalić’s departure after the 2026 World Cup will create another important transition. However, his replacement is Slaven Bilić, who already had a spell managing the National side between 2006 and 2012.
Offensively, Croatia may need the biggest adjustment. The team has often relied on experienced forwards and midfielders to create decisive moments. Developing a more dynamic attacking style, with younger players taking greater responsibility, will be essential if Croatia wants to remain among Europe’s top international teams.
