Ivan Perišić

World Cup 2026 Analysis

Ivan Perišić: The Enduring Croatian Dynamo Set for a Final World Cup Flourish

At 37 years old, Ivan Perišić stands as a testament to longevity and consistent performance at the highest level of football. The veteran Croatian winger, now plying his trade with PSV Eindhoven, is gearing up for what is widely expected to be his final FIFA World Cup in 2026. Despite his age, his current form, tactical versatility, and unwavering commitment to the national team suggest he will be far more than just a ceremonial presence for Croatia in North America.

Current Form & Season Performance

Ivan Perišić has enjoyed a remarkably productive 2025/2026 season with Eredivisie club PSV Eindhoven. He joined PSV on a free transfer in September 2024 and quickly re-established himself as a key attacking force. In the Eredivisie, Perišić featured in 30 matches, scoring 7 goals and providing an impressive 12 assists, ranking him third in the league for assists. His goal contributions per 90 minutes stood at 0.77 (0.28 goals, 0.49 assists), showcasing his continued impact in the final third.

He also made his mark in the UEFA Champions League this season, scoring 2 goals and contributing 3 assists in 8 appearances. Notably, he became the oldest player ever to score in consecutive Champions League knockout stage matches, highlighting his ability to perform on the biggest club stage even at 37. Perišić's recent match performances underscore his enduring quality, including a standout display on May 10, 2026, where he scored two goals and earned a 9.4 FotMob rating in a 4-1 win against Go Ahead Eagles, followed by two assists and an 8.6 rating in a 5-1 victory over FC Twente on May 17, 2026.

While he did suffer a complex anterior cruciate ligament injury in September 2023 which sidelined him for a significant period during the 2023/2024 season, he has since made a full recovery. A minor injury between late November and early December 2025 briefly interrupted his season, but he quickly returned to action, demonstrating his resilience.

World Cup 2026 Prospects

Perišić's inclusion in Zlatko Dalić's final 26-man squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026 confirms his integral role in the Croatian national team. This will be his fourth World Cup appearance, a testament to his sustained importance. Despite the presence of younger talent, Perišić is expected to be one of Croatia's starters.

His experience, leadership, and big-game temperament are invaluable assets for a Croatian side that thrives in major tournaments, having reached the 2018 World Cup final and secured third place in 2022. Head coach Zlatko Dalić is known to value a blend of youth and experience, and Perišić, alongside Luka Modrić, provides a crucial veteran presence that can guide the team through challenging moments. Croatia's campaign will see them face England, Panama, and Ghana in Group L.

Playing Style & Tactical Analysis

Perišić is renowned for his exceptional versatility and ambidexterity, capable of playing as a left winger, left wing-back, or even on the right flank. His strengths lie in his powerful runs, accurate crossing, and clinical finishing. He is adept at cutting inside to shoot with either foot or driving to the byline to deliver dangerous balls into the box. His defensive work rate, often tracking back to support his full-back, makes him a valuable asset in a modern system that demands contributions across the pitch. Managers like Luciano Spalletti, José Mourinho, and Antonio Conte have lauded his adaptability and effectiveness.

In the 2025/2026 Eredivisie season, his attacking prowess is reflected in 54 shots and 12 assists, creating 52 chances with 18 big chances created, placing him among the league's top performers for attacking output. His ability to influence games with moments of brilliance remains undiminished.

Key Stats & Milestones

• Age: 37 (born February 2, 1989)
• Current Club: PSV Eindhoven (joined September 2024, contract until June 2027)
• 2025/2026 Eredivisie Stats: 30 matches, 7 goals, 12 assists
• 2025/2026 UEFA Champions League Stats: 8 matches, 2 goals, 3 assists
• International Caps for Croatia: 151
• International Goals for Croatia: 38
• World Cup Appearances: 2014, 2018, 2022, 2026 (preparing for his fourth)
• Major Tournament Goal Contributions (Croatia Record): 18 (surpassing Davor Šuker)
• Career Milestones:
• 2018 FIFA World Cup Finalist
• 2022 FIFA World Cup Bronze Medalist
• 2019-20 UEFA Champions League winner (with Bayern Munich)
• Serie A (2020-21), Supercoppa Italiana (2021), Coppa Italia (2021-22) winner (with Inter Milan)
• DFB-Pokal winner (2015 with Wolfsburg, 2020 with Bayern Munich)
• Eredivisie champion (2024/2025 with PSV)

Expert Predictions

Analysts and pundits largely agree on Perišić's continued significance for Croatia, even as he enters the twilight of his career. He is seen as a vital component of a Croatian squad that relies on a blend of experienced leaders and promising young stars. Sky Sports notes that his passion for his country burns as fiercely as ever, and he remains capable of inspiring younger generations.

While some acknowledge that Croatia's chances of winning the World Cup may have passed with the aging of their core players, Perišić is still predicted to be one of Croatia's starters, providing crucial experience and offensive output. His ability to change matches with a single moment of brilliance, combined with his leadership, makes him a player to watch. As Goal.com highlights, Perišić is part of a vastly experienced group preparing to catch the eye again, embracing the "big family" environment within the Croatian squad. Despite his age, his impactful club season with PSV further solidifies the belief that he will be ready to perform on the global stage.