Zubac, Šarić, Hezonja to Lead Croatia Against Avdija's Israel in Key World Cup Qualifier

Croatian national basketball coach Tomislav Mijatović has unveiled an 18-player roster for the upcoming FIBA World Cup qualifiers, featuring a blend of established stars and emerging talent. The team is set to face Cyprus on July 3rd and then a pivotal home game against Israel in Osijek on July 8th. This match against Israel, led by NBA player Deni Avdija, is considered a critical juncture in Croatia's qualification campaign for the 2027 World Cup in Qatar.

While the roster includes prominent NBA players such as Ivica Zubac (Los Angeles Clippers), Dario Šarić (Golden State Warriors), and Mario Hezonja (Real Madrid), some players who were part of previous qualifying windows will be absent. Michael Ružić and Roko Prkačin will not be available as they transition to NCAA basketball. Mijatović emphasized that absences are due to injuries or approved personal situations, stressing the importance of continuity in player selection.

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We are pleased to announce a list of 18 players, and it is very important for us that there is continuity in our player selection process. The vast majority of players have been with us since the beginning of the pre-qualification cycle. We are glad that in this continuity, we can always add some players who have particularly attracted attention with their performances in their clubs during the past period.

"We are pleased to announce a list of 18 players, and it is very important for us that there is continuity in our player selection process," Mijatović stated. "The vast majority of players have been with us since the beginning of the pre-qualification cycle. We are glad that in this continuity, we can always add some players who have particularly attracted attention with their performances in their clubs during the past period."

Croatia currently leads its qualification group with a 3-1 record, holding the top spot over Germany due to a better head-to-head record. A victory against Israel would give Croatia a crucial 2-0 advantage in their mutual encounters, significantly boosting their chances of advancing. The team's goal is not just to finish in the top three of their current group to advance, but to carry as many wins as possible into the next, final six-team group stage, from which the top three teams will qualify for the World Cup.

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All of them are justifiably absent in agreement with me and the staff – partly due to injuries sustained in club competitions, partly due to private situations that have been approved by us, so it is a continuous process.