On Sunday, June 7, 2026, the national men’s teams of Croatia and Slovenia will meet at Varteks Stadium in Varaždin, marking a rare international friendly that doubles as Croatia’s final dress rehearsal before the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
A Friendly Prelude to the 2026 World Cup
The match will be streamed live on FOX Sports 2 and can be followed through the Fubo platform, giving fans in the United States and beyond a chance to watch the tactical fine‑tuning of a Croatian side that has reached the semifinals in the last two World Cups.
Croatia’s recent pedigree includes a runner‑up finish in 2018, where Luka Modric’s leadership propelled the team to a 4‑2 loss against France, and a semifinal appearance in 2022 after a narrow defeat to Argentina. The squad’s history is punctuated by heroes such as Ivan Perisic and Mario Madzukic, whose goals helped shape those deep runs.
Group L of the 2026 tournament will also feature England, Panama and Ghana, a configuration that adds extra intrigue to the warm‑up as the Croatian coaching staff fine‑tunes strategies against diverse playing styles.
Slovenia arrives at the fixture after a 1‑1 draw with Cyprus, a game in which Vanja Drkusic equalised in the 64th minute, underscoring the Slovenian side’s resilience and the competitive edge they bring to the encounter.
Key Players to Watch
Luka Modric, now in the twilight of his illustrious career, will likely feature as a pivotal figure, while Perisic and Madzukic remain symbols of Croatia’s attacking flair. For Slovenia, Drkusic’s recent goal against Cyprus highlights his knack for timely interventions.
The gathering of these seasoned internationals promises a contest that is as much about preparation as it is about pride, setting the stage for a summer that will see both teams battle for supremacy on the world stage.