The stakes are particularly high given Croatia’s recent history. The national team last appeared at a FIBA Basketball World Cup in 2014, finishing tenth in Spain. Twelve years later, a return to the global stage is firmly within reach, and the two August fixtures could play an important role in determining whether Croatia take another major step towards Qatar 2027.
Zubac, Hezonja and Šarić Lead the Squad
Mijatović’s initial 15-player selection included Krešimir Radovčić, Jaleen Smith, Dominik Mavra, Roko Badžim, Antonio Jordano, Mateo Drežnjak, Mario Hezonja, Luka Božić, Toni Nakić, Dario Šarić, David Škara, Ivica Zubac, Karlo Matković, Danko Branković and Krešimir Ljubičić. Radovčić was subsequently ruled out of the window, with Lovro Gnjidić called up in his place.
The presence of Zubac, Hezonja and Šarić gives Croatia an experienced core capable of competing at the highest level, while Mijatović also welcomed back Matković, Nakić and Drežnjak after they had missed parts of the previous international cycle. The continuity is important for a coach who has repeatedly stressed the value of maintaining a stable group throughout the qualifying process.
Zubac offers Croatia a dominant interior presence, while Hezonja provides scoring, size and versatility on the perimeter. Šarić adds another layer of experience and playmaking in the frontcourt, with Jaleen Smith, Mavra and Božić among the players capable of carrying significant responsibility in the backcourt and on the wing.
That combination of established internationals and players fighting for larger roles gives Mijatović considerable flexibility, particularly during an August window in which physical conditioning and rhythm can be as important as tactical preparation.
An Unusual and Demanding Preparation Period
Croatia were scheduled to gather in Opatija on August 13, where the first phase of preparations would focus heavily on conditioning, individual work and tactical development. The timing presents a particular challenge because many players arrive directly from their summer break rather than from the rhythm of an ongoing club season.
Mijatović acknowledged that reality when announcing the squad, describing the preparation period as both demanding and specific. Rather than easing into competitive action, Croatia planned to test themselves against high-level opposition before the qualifiers began.
After the training camp in Opatija, the team was due to travel to Hamburg for a strong international preparation tournament featuring Türkiye, Germany and Czechia. Croatia were scheduled to face Türkiye first, with Germany and Czechia meeting in the other semi-final before classification games the following day. Mijatović viewed the event as an ideal opportunity to complete his tactical preparations against teams capable of exposing weaknesses before the games that actually count.
The decision to seek difficult preparation opponents fits the broader challenge Croatia face. At this stage of qualifying, the margin between a comfortable route to the World Cup and a tense final window can be extremely small.
Latvia First, Then Amsterdam
The central fixture of the August window was scheduled for August 27 at Krešimir Ćosić Hall in Zadar, where Croatia would host Latvia. Three days later, Mijatović’s team would face the Netherlands away from home.
The order matters. A home victory over Latvia would allow Croatia to increase the distance between themselves and one of their closest challengers before travelling to Amsterdam. With results from the opening qualifying phase carrying over into the second round, every game has additional weight and there is little opportunity to recover from unnecessary defeats.
Mijatović therefore made clear that Croatia would concentrate entirely on Latvia before turning their attention to the Netherlands. The Croatian coach also placed considerable emphasis on the role of the home crowd in Zadar, a city with one of the country’s strongest basketball traditions.
He called on supporters to fill the arena and provide the energy his players would need in what he expects to be a demanding qualification battle. Interest around the Latvia game was already significant later in the preparation period, with major sections of Krešimir Ćosić Hall selling out ahead of the fixture.
Croatia Carry a Valuable 5–1 Record Into the Second Round
Perhaps the most important advantage Croatia possess is the work already completed.
The second round consists of six teams, with Croatia, Germany and Israel carrying their results over from one first-round group and Poland, Latvia and the Netherlands arriving from another. Poland began Group K at 6–0, while Croatia and Germany both held 5–1 records. Latvia followed at 3–3, with the Netherlands and Israel at 2–4.
Only the top three teams qualify for the 2027 World Cup, which will be staged in Qatar from August 27 to September 12. Europe has 12 places available, with three teams progressing from each of the four second-round groups.
That format makes Croatia’s strong starting position extremely valuable. The team does not need to chase its rivals from behind, but it cannot afford to waste the advantage built during the opening phase either.
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