By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The senior national team of Croatia is gearing up for a crucial FIBA window in their quest for a ticket to the FIBA World Cup 2027 in Qatar. Head coach Tomislav Mijatovic officially announced his 15-player roster for the upcoming games on Friday. His selections were confirmed by the Croatian Basketball Federation on Friday.
Seeking to improve on their impressive 5-1 record at the start of the final European qualification round, Croatia currently sits comfortably two games clear of the elimination zone.
To sustain this momentum, Mijatovic has assembled a formidable squad featuring Kresimir Radovcic, Jaleen Smith, Dominik Mavra, Roko Badzim, Antonio Jordano, Mateo Dreznjak, Mario Hezonja, Luka Bozic, Toni Nakic, Dario Saric, David Skara, Ivica Zubac, Karlo Matkovic, Danko Brankovic, and Kresimir Ljubicic.
🇭🇷 Izbornik Tomislav Mijatović objavio je popis od 15 igrača za kolovoške pripreme i nastavak kvalifikacija za FIBA Svjetsko prvenstvo 2027.!
Sretno, Hrvatska! ❤🤍💙🏀#HKS #Hrvatska #FIBAWC #Stepitup pic.twitter.com/YRHIrzqc0c
— HRVATSKI KOŠARKAŠKI SAVEZ 🇭🇷 (@CROATIABasket) August 7, 2026
The preparation schedule begins on August 13 when the team gathers in Opatija to focus heavily on fitness, technical execution, and tactical cohesion following the summer break.
From there, the team will travel to Germany on August 20 to test their mettle in a competitive international tournament in Hamburg, opening against Turkiye before potential matchups with Germany or the Czechia.
This intense tournament serves as a warm-up before the squad moves to Zadar for the central event of their home stretch. Croatia will host Latvia on August 27 at the Kresimir Cosic Hall, where 50-year-old Mijatovic counts on the famously passionate local fans to provide a powerful wind at their backs. Immediately after, the team flies to Amsterdam to wrap up this demanding window against the Netherlands on August 30.
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