Gračan announces squad for FIFA Women’s World Cup play-off matches against Iceland

Croatia will face Iceland twice in the first round of the play-offs. The first match is scheduled for 9 October in Pula, while the return leg will be played on 13 October in Reykjavik.

“We will play two qualifying matches against Iceland, one of the best national teams in Europe. They are a very pragmatic, responsible and disciplined team, and these will certainly be very demanding and difficult matches. This will certainly be a great experience for us, especially for the younger players, so that they can gain continuity in playing matches of this level. It will be a major challenge for all of us, but we will try to play a quality and responsible match and look to surprise the Icelandic team,” said head coach Nenad Gračan.

 

 

 

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Squad:

Goalkeepers: Doris Bačić (Neom, KSA), Carlotta Sesjak (1. FFC Recklinghausen, GER), Nika Radolović (Pogoń Szczecin)

Defenders: Petra Pezelj (SFK 2000 Sarajevo, BIH), Leonarda Balog (SKN St. Pölten Frauen, AUT), Ana Jelenčić (Montpellier), Antonia Dulčić (ŽNK Hajduk Split), Tea Vračević (SKN St. Pölten Frauen, AUT), Helena Spajić (ŽNK Dinamo Zagreb), Lucia Orkić (FK Austria Wien, AUT), Janja Čanjevac (ŽNK Hajduk Split)

Midfielders: Lucija Vunić (ŽNK Dinamo Zagreb), Laura Vlastelica (ŽNK Hajduk Split), Ana Bakalar (ŽNK Hajduk Split), Lana Kukavica (ŽNK Hajduk Split), Tea Krznarić (LASK, AUT), Barbara Živković (ŽNK Hajduk Split), Ella Ljustina (GC Frauenfussball, SUI)

Forwards: Karla Kurkutović (First Vienna FC 1894, AUT), Ana Maria Marković (ŽNK Hajduk Split), Petra Mikulica (SRC Altach, AUT), Martina Ćavar (FC Zürich, SUI), Erika Vrban Zschuppe (Tampa Bay Sun FC, USA)

The national team will gather on Monday, 5 October, before travelling to Pula for the first match against Iceland.

Match schedule:

9 October 2026: Croatia – Iceland (Pula, Aldo Drosina Stadium), 18:45

13 October 2026: Iceland – Croatia (Reykjavik, Laugardalsvöllur Stadium), 17:30

If Croatia advance past Iceland, they will face the winner of Northern Ireland – Portugal in the second round of the play-offs.

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