The Croatian Football Federation confirmed that Barbarić will be available for selection against Lithuania in Jonava. His inclusion comes at a crucial moment for Mavrović's team, who began their pursuit of a place at the 2028 World Cup with a hard-fought 3–2 victory over Germany in Rijeka.
Although Croatia secured all three points in their opening fixture, the encounter demonstrated that even a strong attacking performance can be complicated by disciplinary mistakes. The hosts established a 3–1 half-time advantage but were forced to defend under pressure after Čekol received a second yellow card. Germany subsequently reduced the deficit to one goal, creating a tense conclusion before Croatia eventually secured victory.
The red card means Čekol is unavailable for the Lithuania encounter, prompting Mavrović to introduce Barbarić as his replacement. The move allows Croatia to maintain squad depth while providing another talented domestic player with an opportunity to contribute to the national team's World Cup ambitions.
Barbarić Gets Another Opportunity With Croatia
David Barbarić has been part of Croatia's wider national team plans for some time, with Mavrović previously including him among the players on standby for the opening World Cup qualifiers against Germany and Lithuania.
The Olmissum player was also considered during preparations for the 2026 UEFA Futsal European Championship. According to specialist publication CROfutsal, he reached the later stages of squad selection but ultimately missed out on the final tournament roster.
His latest invitation therefore represents another opportunity to demonstrate his qualities within the senior national team environment. Having remained among the players monitored by the coaching staff, Barbarić now has the chance to train with the squad and compete for involvement in an important international fixture.
Barbarić's club experience provides a useful foundation for the challenge. As a member of MNK Olmissum, he has been involved in one of Croatia's leading futsal teams, competing domestically and gaining exposure to high-level European opposition.
Olmissum recently secured a place in the UEFA Futsal Champions League Round of 16 after progressing from a demanding main-round group featuring Sporting CP, Stalitsa Minsk and Étoile Lavalloise. The Croatian club will face Barcelona in the knockout stage, providing another opportunity for its players to compete against elite European futsal opposition.
That international experience is valuable for players hoping to establish themselves in Croatia's national team. European competition demands tactical discipline, quick decision-making and the ability to perform under pressure, qualities that also become important in World Cup qualification.
For Mavrović, Barbarić's selection demonstrates the benefits of maintaining a wider pool of available players. Injuries, suspensions and unexpected circumstances can require immediate changes, making it essential to have alternatives who are already familiar with the national team's expectations.
Čekol's Suspension Forces Mavrović to Adjust
Kristian Čekol's absence is a direct consequence of Croatia's dramatic opening victory against Germany. The Futsal Dinamo player received two yellow cards during the encounter at Zamet Sports Hall, leaving his teammates temporarily outnumbered during the second half.
The dismissal occurred at a difficult moment for Croatia. Mavrović's team had established an encouraging advantage through goals from Niko Vukmir, Vitor Lima and Marko Kuraja, but Germany remained competitive and capitalised on their numerical advantage.
The visitors reduced the score to 3–2 and continued searching for an equaliser, forcing Croatia to defend with greater concentration during the closing stages. Although the hosts eventually protected their lead, the incident demonstrated how quickly a comfortable position can become uncertain in international futsal.
Croatia also missed an opportunity to restore their two-goal advantage when Antonio Sekulić struck the crossbar from a ten-metre penalty. Those moments added to the pressure, but goalkeeper Ante Piplica and his teammates maintained sufficient defensive organisation to secure the opening victory.
The match provided Mavrović with several encouraging signs, particularly the team's ability to create opportunities and respond to difficult situations. However, the coach will also recognise that avoiding unnecessary disciplinary problems and improving attacking efficiency will be essential as the qualification campaign continues.
Čekol's suspension now requires a change in personnel, but Barbarić's arrival gives Croatia another option without the need for a broader restructuring of the squad.
Lithuania Present Croatia's Next Qualification Challenge
With the opening victory over Germany secured, Croatia's attention turns towards Lithuania, who will host the second Group 3 fixture in Jonava. The match offers Mavrović's team an opportunity to strengthen their position in the standings and maintain their winning start to the qualifying campaign.
Lithuania began their group campaign with a 4–2 defeat against Germany, leaving them without points ahead of Croatia's visit. Nevertheless, the Baltic nation will be motivated to recover on home territory and prevent a second consecutive defeat.
Croatia enter the encounter with greater international experience and confidence following their historic bronze medal at the 2026 UEFA Futsal European Championship. That achievement raised expectations surrounding the national team and established Mavrović's players among the continent's more competitive sides.
However, the match against Germany demonstrated that reputation alone will not guarantee results. Croatia struggled to convert several opportunities and were forced to defend a narrow advantage in the closing stages. A more efficient attacking performance and stronger discipline will be important against Lithuania.
The 2028 World Cup qualification format also increases the importance of every point. The main round features 36 national teams divided into 12 groups of three, with each side playing its opponents at home and away.
The 12 group winners and four best runners-up qualify directly for the elite round, while the remaining eight second-placed teams enter play-offs to determine the final four elite-round participants. Croatia will therefore aim to finish top of Group 3 and avoid additional qualification matches.
Barbarić's Arrival Highlights Croatia's Squad Depth
Mavrović's decision to include Barbarić reflects the importance of maintaining competition within the squad. The Croatian coach has previously emphasised that the national team now possesses a broader selection of players capable of competing at international level, creating opportunities to respond effectively when established members become unavailable.
The original squad included several players who contributed to Croatia's European Championship bronze medal, including captain Franco Jelovčić, Niko Vukmir, Ante Piplica, Marko Kuraja and Antonio Sekulić.
Barbarić was one of six players placed on standby alongside Manolo Bilić, Elvir Husarić, Romeo Sušac, Ante Kovačević and Marin Jurić. His activation demonstrates that the standby list remains an important part of Mavrović's selection strategy rather than simply a formality.
The Olmissum player will now have the opportunity to compete for a role within a squad aiming to build on one of the most successful periods in Croatian futsal history. His presence could provide additional flexibility during the Lithuania encounter, although Mavrović has not confirmed whether he will be included among the starting players.
For Barbarić, the call-up also represents recognition of the experience he has gained through domestic and European club competition. Performing consistently at a high level will remain essential if he hopes to establish a more permanent place within the national team.
Croatia's immediate objective, however, remains securing another victory. With Germany already defeated, a positive result in Lithuania would provide an important advantage before the remaining qualifying fixtures.
David Barbarić's inclusion gives Croatia an additional option at an important moment in their World Cup qualifying campaign. Although Kristian Čekol's suspension has forced Mavrović to adjust his plans, the Olmissum player's arrival offers an opportunity to maintain squad depth and introduce another candidate for future international selection. Following the dramatic victory over Germany, Croatia now face Lithuania with the ambition of securing six points from their opening two matches and taking another step towards the elite round of qualification.
More from the newsroom →