The Alexandria Brief's coverage of the Croatian national soccer team's month-long stay in Alexandria for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, from base camp through the Round of 32.
Martin Baturina and Petar Musa — two of the young players Alexandria hosted this past week — scored in a 4-2 loss to the tournament favorites, but Croatia's World Cup is far from over.
Two days before facing England, Croatia's Ante Budimir and Nikola Moro shrugged off a weekend of fireworks and a late-night flyover near their hotel — turns out, they grew up next to airports.
The Oscar-nominated actor, now a Croatian citizen and the face of a US-focused tourism campaign, appeared at a private "Croatia in the Game" event at the team's Alexandria hotel, the country's football federation said.
The Orlando City winger — one of two MLS players on Croatia's roster — told the Brief he's glad the U.S. is hosting, while defender Marin Pongračić turned his focus to England and Harry Kane.
Five days from their World Cup opener, Mario Pašalić and Nikola Vlašić broke down the England test — and thanked a city that's adopting them — at a press conference the Brief was the only English-language outlet to attend.
Goalkeeper Dominik Livaković and midfielder Martin Baturina praised the team's setup at Episcopal High School on Thursday, six days before Croatia opens its World Cup against England.
Under threat of storms, the World Cup runners-up opened their Old Town base camp with autographs and mini soccer balls for hundreds of local kids — as Mayor Gaskins proclaimed "the beginning" of a lasting friendship.
Croatia has arrived in Alexandria, where it is setting up camp at least through the group stage, although its three games are in Arlington, Texas; Toronto; and Philadelphia.
Correction to earlier announcement clarifies national team will not attend June 6 event
City to host free waterfront celebration June 6; training at Episcopal confirmed closed to public
Mayor Gaskins, Croatian ambassador frame Torpedo Factory exhibit as the start of a 'family' relationship ahead of Team Croatia's June arrival
Free Torpedo Factory show offers a preview of the country soon to call the city its home away from home
National team to stay at Old Town's AKA Hotel, train at Episcopal High School during tournament