Davor Šuker says Croatia has outgrown its underdog label following its recent exploits on football’s biggest stage.
Drawn into Group L alongside England, Panama, and Ghana for the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, Croatia enters the tournament with renewed respect in the international arena.
Speaking to FIFA, Šuker, a former Croatia star, highlighted that the team’s run to the semi-finals at the last World Cup in Qatar solidified Croatia’s status as a footballing nation with established standards.
“Reaching the semi-finals again in Qatar felt like confirmation Croatia is no longer an underdog story. It’s a football nation with standards,” Šuker said.
The 1998 World Cup golden boot winner, who guided Croatia to third place in France, stressed that the team should now be seen as serious contenders rather than mere participants.
“When you finish as runners-up and then in third place at back-to-back World Cups, you’re no longer just participants; you compete for the trophy. Croatia won’t fear anyone,” Šuker warned.
Croatia opens its World Cup campaign against England on June 17, before facing Panama on June 24 and concluding the group stage against Ghana on June 27.
Ahead of the tournament, the team will face Colombia and Brazil in March friendlies, followed by matches against Belgium on June 2 and Slovenia on June 7 as final preparation.
