Croatia will arrive in Belgrade as one of the most consistent nations of the modern European Championships era, after head coach Ivica Tucak confirmed a largely unchanged and highly experienced 15-man squad for the 2026 tournament.
Continuity has been the guiding principle behind Tucak’s selection. Compared to last summer’s World Championships, there are only minor adjustments, underlining Croatia’s confidence in a core group that has delivered repeatedly on the continental stage. Goalkeeper Ivan Marcelic and attacker Andrija Basic are the two new names compared to the 2025 Worlds roster, both bringing previous medal-winning experience at major competitions. They replace Toni Popadic and Tin Brubnjak.
The squad was finalized in Budva shortly before a friendly match against Montenegro, following lengthy discussions within the coaching staff. Tucak later confirmed that the final decisions were taken late, praising the wider training group for maintaining pressure until the final moment and highlighting the depth currently available to the national team.
Croatia squad – 2026 European Championships
Goalkeepers
- Marko Bijac (Jadran Split)
- Ivan Marcelic (Mladost)
Field players
- Luka Loncar (Mladost)
- Josip Vrlic (Mladost)
- Rino Buric (Pro Recco)
- Matias Biljaka (Mladost)
- Marko Zuvela (Jug Dubrovnik)
- Filip Krzic (Jug Dubrovnik)
- Loren Fatovic (Jadran Split)
- Luka Bukic (Mladost)
- Ante Vukicevic (Mladost)
- Franko Lazic (Mladost)
- Konstantin Kharkov (Mladost)
- Andrija Basic (Mladost)
- Zvonimir Butic (Jadran Split)
Croatia’s confidence heading into Belgrade is underpinned by a strong recent European Championships record. Since 2010, the Croats have reached three European finals, winning gold in 2010 and 2022, before settling for silver in 2024. Across the last four editions, Croatia have never finished outside the semifinals, reinforcing their status as one of the tournament’s most reliable performers.
Drawn into Group Phase I alongside Greece, Slovenia and Georgia, Croatia will once again be expected to progress comfortably from the opening stage. With a settled roster, proven leadership and tournament experience across every line, Tucak’s side will enter the Belgrade championships firmly among the medal contenders.
European Championships 2026 Homepage
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