Croatian Squad Lands in Alexandria
The Croatian National Football Team touched down in Alexandria this week, checking into the historic Hotel AKA in Old Town North. City officials, led by Mayor Alyia Gaskins, greeted the players with a warm welcome and presented a series of commemorative gifts.
Their training base will be Episcopal High School, where sessions are closed to the public but have already drawn attention for the team’s rigorous preparation. The schedule ahead includes group‑stage matches against England, Panama and Ghana, a lineup that has fans eager to see the squad’s famed midfield creativity.
During the welcome ceremony, the City Council awarded the players a ceramic bowl bearing the city seal, a specially minted coin, and a commemorative jersey from the team’s technical director. Sports reporter Edi Dzindo, who has followed the squad for years, likened the players to rock stars back home in Croatia, underscoring the nation’s deep passion for the game.
Beyond the stadium, Alexandria will host a ‘Flavors & Sounds of Croatia’ evening at Waterfront Park on June 6, organized in partnership with the Croatian Embassy. Local boutiques on King Street are also running a ‘Shop the Checkers’ promotion from June 14 to 28, tying the city’s commercial vibe to the international event.
Alexandria’s status as the only Virginia locality selected as a home base for the 2026 World Cup teams adds a unique spotlight to the visit, blending diplomatic goodwill with community celebration as the Croatian contingent gears up for tournament play.