Croatia's striker selection puzzle ahead of World Cup 2026

As the 2026 World Cup approaches, Croatian national football team coach Zlatko Dalić grapples with a significant dilemma: finding a reliable central striker. Since Mario Mandžukić's retirement from international football, Croatia has lacked a guaranteed starter in this crucial position. Dalić has frequently rotated players, deploying Ante Budimir, Petar Musa, Igor Matanović, and Franjo Ivanović in the 14 matches played over the past year and a half. This uncertainty surrounding the forward line remains one of the most open questions for the team's lineup in the upcoming tournament.

Among the contenders, Ante Budimir, who plays for Osasuna, has made eight appearances in this role, while Musa, Matanović, and Ivanović have each featured twice. Notably, Ivanović is not part of the World Cup squad. All four players have had notable performances for their respective clubs in the spring season, presenting Dalić with what might be considered "sweet worries." This situation mirrors the team's approach in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where Dalić also utilized player rotation.

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I am here, I am ready. I had a good season. It doesn't matter who plays. I think we are all ready, Musa, Buda, or me. I am happy to be here, to experience this with my teammates. It is a special moment for me.

Players themselves express a readiness to contribute, emphasizing team objectives over individual roles. Igor Matanović stated, "I am here, I am ready. I had a good season. It doesn't matter who plays. I think we are all ready, Musa, Buda, or me. I am happy to be here, to experience this with my teammates. It is a special moment for me." Ante Budimir echoed this sentiment, focusing on his personal journey and team benefit: "I am focused on myself and my path. Of course, as a striker, I do what is most useful for the team. I've said before that I would immediately sign if Qatar could be repeated. We all have a higher goal here, and I hope that with my goal I can bring victories and something more to the national team."

While not a classic center forward, Andrej Kramarić, with 36 international goals, also presents an option. Budimir brings extensive experience from Spain's La Liga, while the younger Matanović offers a modern, physically imposing presence. Petar Musa is currently excelling in the MLS for FC Dallas, having led the league's top scorers list in spring 2026, ahead of stars like Lionel Messi, and has been publicly lauded by his club as "the best striker in the MLS." The team's performance will likely depend on how effectively Dalić integrates these varied attacking options.

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I am focused on myself and my path. Of course, as a striker, I do what is most useful for the team. I've said before that I would immediately sign if Qatar could be repeated. We all have a higher goal here, and I hope that with my goal I can bring victories and something more to the national team.