Croatia’s Final Home Test Before the World Cup
The Balkan nation is set to play a friendly against Slovenia on home soil, using the encounter as their final warm‑up before the Group L opener against England at the 2026 World Cup. Recent defeats to Brazil and Belgium have left the Croatian side in a slump, making the match a crucial opportunity to regain confidence.
For Luka Modrić, the fixture carries a personal significance. The veteran midfielder, who helped Croatia finish second in 2018 and third in 2022, may feature in what could be his last international appearance on home ground, adding an emotional layer to the contest.
Historical Rivalry and Recent Form
Croatia and Slovenia have met twelve times historically, with Croatia holding a clear advantage, having won seven of those encounters while Slovenia managed only a single victory. The upcoming friendly therefore continues a pattern of Croatian dominance, even as both teams prepare for the tournament.
Slovenia, meanwhile, has not qualified for a World Cup since 2010, making this match a rare chance for the Slovenian squad to test its cohesion against a strong opponent. Croatia hopes the game will break their recent run of losses and provide a psychological boost before facing England.
The fixture will be staged in Varazdin, a city that has previously hosted several key fixtures, and will be broadcast to fans in the United States and across the soccer‑loving world, offering a final glimpse of both teams’ preparations.