Mario Pašalić

World Cup 2026 Analysis

Mario Pašalić's FIFA World Cup 2026 Prospects: A Midfield Maestro's Challenge

Mario Pašalić, the versatile Atalanta midfielder, is poised to be a key figure for Croatia at the FIFA World Cup 2026. Having consistently featured for the national team and with Croatia already securing their spot in the tournament, Pašalić's prospects appear strong, though he faces stiff competition in a talent-rich midfield.

Current Form and Club Performance

Pašalić, 30, remains a vital player for his club, Atalanta, as evidenced by his continued involvement in Serie A and UEFA Champions League matches. In the 2024-2025 season, he made 34 Serie A appearances, scoring 3 goals and providing 4 assists, and also contributed 3 goals and 1 assist in 10 Champions League appearances. This consistent output underscores his offensive capabilities and importance to his club. Recent reports indicate he returned to training regularly after a brief absence for personal reasons in December 2025. Pašalić's strengths include his excellent positioning, particularly his "off-the-ball" movement that allows him to find scoring opportunities, and his versatility across central, attacking, and even right-wing midfield roles.

International Standing and Role

Pašalić has been a regular in Zlatko Dalić's Croatia squads, participating in UEFA Euro 2020, the 2022 FIFA World Cup (where Croatia finished third), and Euro 2024. He has accumulated 81 caps and 11 goals for his country as of late 2025. His inclusion in the latest provisional squads for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers highlights his continued relevance to the national team setup. Dalić often values experienced players and a strong collective, and Pašalić's consistent performances and adaptability align with this philosophy.

Midfield Competition and Tactical Considerations

Croatia's midfield is renowned for its quality and depth, and this will present Pašalić with his biggest challenge for a guaranteed starting spot in 2026. The core of the midfield has historically featured the likes of Luka Modrić, Mateo Kovačić, and Marcelo Brozović, though Modrić will be 40 by the 2026 World Cup. While Modrić continues to be a hugely influential force, his playing time might be managed, opening avenues for other midfielders.

Other significant midfielders vying for spots include:

• Mateo Kovačić (Manchester City): A dynamic box-to-box midfielder with exceptional dribbling and ball-carrying abilities.
• Nikola Vlašić (Torino): An attacking midfielder known for his creativity and goal contributions.
• Kristijan Jakić (FC Augsburg): Primarily a defensive midfielder, offering stability and ball winning.
• Petar Sučić (Inter Milan): A young, emerging talent who has quickly made an impact at club level and is being touted as a future midfield conductor.
• Nikola Moro (Bologna) and Toni Fruk (Rijeka): Both offer attacking midfield options and are part of the younger generation being integrated into the squad.

Zlatko Dalić often favors a 4-3-3 formation, emphasizing control of possession and patient build-up, relying heavily on his midfield trident. Pašalić's versatility makes him a valuable asset, capable of playing as a central midfielder (number 8), an attacking midfielder (number 10), or even on the right wing, a position he often occupies for the national team. His "off-the-ball" movement and goal-scoring instincts could be particularly useful for breaking down defenses, especially if Dalić opts for a more offensively minded box-to-box presence or a player who can make late runs into the box.

Outlook for 2026

Given his consistent club form, international experience, and versatility, Mario Pašalić is highly likely to be part of Croatia's 2026 FIFA World Cup squad. While a starting position is not guaranteed due to the depth of Croatian midfield talent, his ability to perform in multiple roles and his strong offensive contributions make him an invaluable player for Zlatko Dalić. He is a strong contender for a significant role, whether as a starter in a varied midfield setup or as a crucial impact substitute, especially in games requiring his specific blend of attacking prowess and intelligent movement.