Luka Sučić

World Cup 2026 Analysis

Luka Sučić's FIFA World Cup 2026 Prospects: A Critical Juncture Amidst Club Struggles and National Team Competition

Luka Sučić, the 23-year-old Croatian midfielder, faces a pivotal period in his career as the FIFA World Cup 2026 approaches. While possessing clear talent, his prospects for a significant role in the Croatian national team are currently clouded by reduced playing time at his club, Real Sociedad, and stiff competition within a midfield rich with both veteran presence and emerging talents.

Current Club Form and Injury Concerns

After a promising 2024/2025 season where he was named Real Sociedad's Player of the Year, making 29 appearances in La Liga with one goal and one assist, Sučić's fortunes have waned considerably in the current 2025/2026 campaign. He has only featured in six La Liga matches, accumulating a mere 130 minutes on the pitch, and has registered just one assist in the Copa del Rey. This drastic reduction in game time has led to him "permanently riding the bench".

Adding to his challenges, Sučić has contended with several injury setbacks. Most recently, he suffered a sprained medial collateral ligament in his knee in December 2025, sidelining him indefinitely. His injury history also includes previous ankle and knee issues in late 2024 and early 2025, as well as an extended period out in the 2022/2023 season due to knee surgery.

National Team Landscape and Competition

Croatia has successfully qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026, marking their seventh appearance in the tournament and fourth in a row. Coach Zlatko Dalić continues to rely on experienced stalwarts such as Luka Modrić and Ivan Perišić, who remain influential figures in the squad.

However, Dalić has voiced concerns regarding the younger generation of Croatian players, stating they are "still searching for themselves" and "have not imposed themselves, they have not shown enough quality". This sentiment directly impacts players like Sučić who are vying for a place. Furthermore, Sučić reportedly fell out of favor with Dalić in June 2025 after attending his sister's wedding without authorization, although he was later recalled for World Cup qualifiers in October.

The competition for midfield spots is fierce. Nikola Vlašić is reportedly experiencing a resurgence in form with Torino, while Martin Baturina and Lovro Majer are consistently playing for their respective clubs in Serie A and the Bundesliga. This makes it crucial for Sučić to secure regular playing time and demonstrate consistent high-level performance to stand out.

Latest News and Future Outlook

The lack of minutes at Real Sociedad has fueled speculation that Sučić may seek a six-month loan move in the January 2026 transfer window. Clubs like Eintracht Frankfurt, VfB Stuttgart, Juventus, and PSV Eindhoven have been mentioned as potential destinations. Such a move would be critical for Sučić to regain match fitness and showcase his abilities in the lead-up to the World Cup.

At 23 years old, Sučić still possesses significant potential, particularly noted for his powerful shot from outside the box. However, without regular club football, his chances of making a strong case for a prominent role in the Croatian squad for FIFA World Cup 2026 diminish considerably. His immediate future hinges on overcoming his current injury and securing a consistent playing environment where he can rediscover his form.