QUALIFIERS FOR THE WORLD CUP

Gračan announces squad for matches against Gibraltar: "Winning is imperative"

07.04.2026.

Gračan announces squad for matches against Gibraltar: "Winning is imperative"
Photo by: Drago Sopta/HNS

Croatia women’s national team coach Nenad Gračan has announced the squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifying matches against Gibraltar. As part of the qualification cycle, the Croatian team will play two matches against Gibraltar – one away and one in Sinj.

Coach Nenad Gračan released the squad list and highlighted that, due to certain absences, younger and new players are also getting an opportunity.

“We have two matches against the Gibraltar national team where we must position ourselves as favorites. I would even say it is imperative to win these two matches to be ready for the June fixtures and, in a way, decide for ourselves whether we will return to Group B. We have some absences; however, there are also younger and new girls, and I believe they will start adapting to the national team, and I hope everything will go as planned,” Gračan said.

Squad list:

Goalkeepers: Doris Bačić (S.S. Lazio), Ana Ristovski (ŽNK Hajduk), Carlotta Sesjak (1. FFC Recklinghausen)

Defenders: Ana Jelenčić (Servette Geneve FC), Kristina Nevrkla (ŽNK Lio Osijek), Lucia Orkić (FC Red Bull Salzburg), Nina Varga (ŽNK Međimurje), Janja Čanjevac (ŽNK Hajduk), Antonia Dulčić (ŽNK Hajduk), Tea Vračević (SVK St Polten), Sara Herceg (ŽNK Hajduk)

Midfielders: Izabela Lojna (ŽNK Lio Osijek), Lucija Vunić (ŽNK Dinamo), Petra Pezelj (SFK 2000 Sarajevo), Lana Kukavica (ŽNK Hajduk), Helena Spajić (ŽNK Dinamo), Ana Bakalar (ŽNK Hajduk), Lucija Vrdoljak (HNK Gorica), Laura Vlastelica (ŽNK Hajduk)

Forwards: Ivana Rudelić (FC Basel 1893), Andrea Glibo (SVK St Polten), Karla Kurkutović (GKS Górnik Łęczna), Petra Mikulica (SCR Altach)

The first match is scheduled for Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at 19:00, at Europa Point Stadium in Gibraltar.

The return match will take place on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 16:30, when Croatia will host Gibraltar at NK Junak Stadium in Sinj, with free entry.

The national team will convene on April 9 in Zagreb.

Match schedule:

14.04.2026, Tuesday: 19:00 Gibraltar – Croatia (Europa Point Stadium, Gibraltar)

18.04.2026, Saturday: 16:30 Croatia – Gibraltar (NK Junak Stadium, Sinj)

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