The squad features a familiar core of players who have contributed to Croatia's strong qualifying performances, with Mijatović prioritising continuity and collective understanding ahead of two demanding encounters. The coach has also introduced two additional options in Lovro Mazalin and Ivan Vraneš, whose recent club performances have earned them an opportunity to join the current national team setup.
Croatia enter the international window in an excellent position. With seven victories and just one defeat, they share the best record in Group K with Poland and Germany. Latvia trail on four wins and four defeats, while the Netherlands and Israel have each recorded two victories from eight matches. The standings have placed Croatia in a strong position to qualify for the World Cup, although the remaining fixtures will still determine the group's final order.
Mijatović Maintains Core Squad While Introducing Two New Faces
One of the most important aspects of Mijatović's selection is the emphasis on maintaining continuity within the squad. The majority of the 15 players have already represented Croatia during the pre-qualifying and qualifying stages, allowing the coaching staff to build on existing relationships and a familiar tactical structure.
Dario Šarić remains one of the most recognisable names in the selection, bringing extensive international experience and versatility to the frontcourt. His ability to influence the game through scoring, rebounding and passing gives Croatia an important option in different attacking situations.
Jaleen Smith provides experience in the backcourt, while Luka Božić offers creativity and versatility. Alongside players such as Dominik Mavra, Krešimir Radovčić, Mateo Drežnjak and Toni Nakić, the squad possesses a combination of established international experience and players accustomed to important roles in their clubs.
Mijatović has also retained several players capable of contributing in the frontcourt, including Danko Branković, David Škara and other established members of the national team rotation. Their presence will be important against opponents who can present different physical and tactical challenges.
The two additions, Mazalin and Vraneš, represent a modest adjustment rather than a major overhaul. Both have been monitored by the national team coaching staff for an extended period, and Mijatović believes their performances justify an opportunity to join the group.
The coach described the pair as experienced, high-quality players who have demonstrated that they deserve consideration for the national team. Their inclusion provides additional competition for places while allowing the coaching staff to assess how effectively they adapt to Croatia's established playing system.
Mazalin and Vraneš Earn Their Opportunity
For Lovro Mazalin and Ivan Vraneš, the November international window represents an important personal milestone. Although both have established professional experience, this will be their first opportunity to work within Mijatović's current national team setup.
Their selection reflects the coach's approach to monitoring players beyond the established international rotation. Rather than relying exclusively on familiar names, Mijatović and his assistants have continued evaluating performances at club level, identifying individuals who could strengthen the squad when opportunities arise.
Mazalin offers another frontcourt option, while Vraneš adds depth and experience. Both will have an opportunity to demonstrate their qualities in training and compete for inclusion in the matchday squad.
Mijatović expressed confidence that they would adapt quickly, pointing to their experience and the quality they have shown over an extended period. He also emphasised that the remainder of the selected players already understand the team's expectations, having worked together throughout the qualifying campaign.
That familiarity could prove particularly valuable during a short international window. National teams have limited preparation time between players arriving from their clubs and the opening fixture, making established tactical relationships and clear responsibilities especially important.
Croatia's coaching staff will therefore aim to integrate the two newcomers without disrupting the collective structure that has helped the team establish one of the strongest records in the group.
Poland and the Netherlands Present Different Challenges
Croatia's first assignment will be an away encounter against Poland at PreZero Arena Gliwice. With both countries holding identical 7–1 records, the match brings together two of Group K's strongest teams and offers an opportunity to gain an advantage in the battle for the leading positions.
Poland have been among the most consistent sides during qualification, combining effective attacking play with results that have kept them level with Croatia and Germany. Playing on home territory could provide an additional advantage, making the encounter a demanding examination of Mijatović's squad.
For Croatia, controlling the tempo and limiting turnovers will be important against opponents capable of capitalising on defensive mistakes. The team must also maintain its effectiveness in rebounding and half-court execution, particularly during periods when scoring opportunities become more difficult to create.
The second match, against the Netherlands, will present a different challenge. Although the Dutch team have recorded only two victories in eight qualifiers, Croatia's previous encounter with them demonstrated the dangers of underestimating the opposition. The Croatian side narrowly won 101–99 away from home in August, highlighting the attacking threat the Netherlands can present despite their lower position in the standings.
Returning to Zagreb will provide Croatia with the advantage of playing before their supporters at the Dražen Petrović Basketball Centre. The venue has a special place in Croatian basketball history, and Mijatović is hoping that an enthusiastic home crowd can help his players deliver another important result.
Croatia Close to World Cup Qualification
Croatia's excellent position in Group K has brought the national team within reach of the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup in Qatar. After eight matches, Croatia, Poland and Germany all hold seven victories and one defeat, while Latvia remain three wins behind the leading trio.
Under FIBA's qualification format, the top three teams from each of the four European second-round groups earn places at the World Cup. Twelve European nations will therefore qualify for the tournament, which is scheduled to take place in Qatar from August 27 to September 12, 2027.
FIBA World Cup 2027 European Qualifiers
Croatia's position is especially encouraging considering the difficulties the national team have experienced in previous international qualification campaigns. Their current record reflects an improvement in consistency and provides an opportunity to return to the global stage.
However, Mijatović is determined to prevent complacency. Even with qualification looking increasingly likely, the coaching staff want the team to maintain its competitive standards and continue building confidence before the final qualification window in February 2027.
Following the encounters against Poland and the Netherlands, Croatia are scheduled to visit Latvia on February 25 before hosting Poland on February 28. Those fixtures will conclude the qualifying campaign and determine the group's final standings.
Mijatović Confident in Croatia's Preparation
Speaking after announcing the squad, Mijatović expressed satisfaction with the condition and performances of his players at club level. The coach explained that his staff had carefully monitored their form throughout the season and were pleased with the responsibilities they were receiving in their respective teams.
He placed particular emphasis on the importance of physical readiness, noting that the squad are approaching the international window in encouraging condition. Having a healthy and competitive group will be essential given the limited preparation time and the demanding nature of the two fixtures.
The coach also welcomed the opportunity to reunite players who have been involved throughout the qualification process. Their shared experiences have contributed to the team's development, creating a stronger understanding of the tactical expectations and responsibilities within the national team.
Mijatović nevertheless acknowledged that both matches will require maximum commitment. He considers Poland and the Netherlands demanding opponents and expects his players to maintain their usual intensity rather than allowing the positive standings to influence their approach.
Support from Croatian fans will also be important, particularly during the home encounter in Zagreb. The coach believes the atmosphere at Dražen Petrović Basketball Centre can provide valuable encouragement as the team attempt to take another step towards World Cup qualification.
A Major Opportunity for Croatian Basketball
The upcoming international window represents an important moment for Croatia's basketball programme. With qualification for the World Cup increasingly close, Mijatović's squad have an opportunity to build on the progress made throughout the campaign.
The selection combines experienced leaders with players capable of providing versatility and energy across different positions. The inclusion of Mazalin and Vraneš also demonstrates that the coaching staff remain open to strengthening the squad, even after establishing a successful core group.
For Croatia, consistency will remain the central challenge. Strong individual performances must be supported by effective teamwork, defensive discipline and the ability to respond when opponents change their approach.
The match against Poland provides an opportunity to compete directly with one of the group's leading teams, while the home encounter against the Netherlands offers another chance to collect valuable points before the final two qualifiers.
Croatia's 15-man squad reflects Tomislav Mijatović's confidence in a team that has placed itself in an excellent position to reach the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup. With established internationals such as Dario Šarić, Jaleen Smith and Luka Božić joined by newcomers Lovro Mazalin and Ivan Vraneš, the national team will approach Poland and the Netherlands determined to maintain its impressive qualifying record. Two positive results could bring Croatia even closer to confirming its return to the world's biggest basketball tournament.
Croatia's Squad
1 Krešimir Radovčić
2 Jaleen Smith
3 Dominik Mavra
4 Lovro Gnjidić
5 Roko Badžim
6 Antonio Jordano
7 Mateo Drežnjak
8 Niko Šare
9 Luka Božić
10 Toni Nakić
11 Dario Šarić
12 David Škara
13 Danko Branković
14 Lovro Mazalin
15 Ivan Vraneš
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