Croatia Secures World Cup 2026 Qualification: Gvardiol Leads 3-1 Rally
Croatia secures World Cup qualification after a thrilling comeback victory. The team rallied from a deficit to defeat the Faroe Islands 3-1. They played the crucial match in Rijeka on Friday. Therefore, Croatia extended its impressive streak to four consecutive tournament appearances. The guests initially stunned the home crowd. Grimsby Town’s Geza Dávid Turi drove forward successfully. Consequently, his deflected shot found the net in the 16th minute. This early goal immediately put the hosts on the back foot.
However, the 2018 World Cup runner-up quickly recovered its composure. Joško Gvardiol drilled a powerful shot just seven minutes later. Specifically, the Manchester City defender fired the leveler into the bottom corner. Petar Musa then put Croatia ahead 2-1 after the break. Indeed, he scored from eight yards out following an assist from Josip Stanišić. This goal marked Musa’s first international score since 2023. Nikola Vlašić made the win safe in the 70th minute. Moreover, he volleyed home a precise cross from Ivan Perišić. Luka Modrić skillfully dictated the entire flow of the game from midfield. Coach Zlatko Dalić successfully blended veteran experience with young talent.
Consequently, Croatia secures World Cup entry with a game still left in the qualifiers. The team now tops Group L with a total of 19 points. This score puts them six points ahead of the Czech Republic. The Czechs are guaranteed a play-off spot meanwhile. Faroe Islands boss Eydun Klakstein expressed congratulations. Thus, he wished Croatia all the best at the World Cup. Defender Gvardiol stated the team achieved its main goal. He expressed pride in the qualification result. Furthermore, he confirmed they will play their final match relaxed but aiming to win. He sees every game as necessary preparation for the summer tournament. The 2026 World Cup will take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Clearly, Croatia secures World Cup progress for a fourth consecutive time.
Source: Samuel Petrequin (Associated Press), BBC Sport, The Nation Newspaper
