Croatia to host Slovenia in World Cup warmup on June 7

Croatia will host Slovenia in an international friendly on Sunday, June 7, in Varazdin, marking the final preparatory match for the Croatian national team before they depart for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The match, scheduled for 8:45 p.m. local time at Stadion Varteks, will be the 13th meeting between the neighboring nations.

Croatia enters the match seeking a morale-boosting victory after consecutive friendly defeats, including a 2-0 loss to Belgium earlier in the week. The team, which finished as runners-up in 2018 and third in 2022 at the World Cup, is widely viewed as a contender capable of another deep run in this summer's tournament. Veteran captain Luka Modric, who has recovered from a shoulder injury, is expected to earn his 198th international cap and lead the side. Manager Zlatko Dalic will also have key players Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic available despite recent injury concerns.

Slovenia, which failed to qualify for the World Cup after a disappointing qualification campaign where it did not secure a single win, will use the match as a measuring stick against a top European side. The team, under new manager Bostjan Cesar, is coming off a 1-1 draw with Cyprus on...