Tottenham youngster Luka Vuskovic tipped to be a part of the Croatia squad for the 2026 World Cup
There is a lot of hype around Tottenham Hotspur and Croatian youngster Luka Vuskovic.
Luka Vuskovic was signed from Hajduk Split at the age of just 16 in 2023, thanks to Spurs’ fantastic scouting network. The central defender had played a part in pre-season for the Lilywhites and impressed massively, but head coach Thomas Frank and his coaching staff ultimately decided that the youngster’s development would be better served on loan.
The big Croat joined HSV Hamburger in the Bundesliga on a season-long loan in August. In North Germany, Vuskovic has been a rich success. He has quickly become a fan favourite at Volksparkstadion with his bold and aggressive displays, solidifying HSV Hamburger’s defensive unit massively.
Reputed journalist Alasdair Gold has revealed the impact Vuskovic has had off the pitch at HSV Hamburger, while German media has nicknamed him ‘Air Vuskovic’ for his powerful and dominant aerial ability. Not to forget, the Spurs loanee was recently named Bundesliga Rookie of the Month.
Vuskovic backed to be in the Croatia squad for the 2026 World Cup
Vuskovic was called up to the Croatia Under-21 squad for the October international break’s European qualifying fixtures. Croatia Under-21 beat Ukraine 1-0 in Velika Gorica as part of European Championship qualifying, and Vuskovic was a part of the victorious side.
Croatian Journalists Damir Dobrinic and Tvrtko Puljic have been reviewing the Croatia Under-21s performances. Vuskovic was a name on their agenda, with Tvrtko Puljic particularly encouraged by the defender’s performances. He feels that the Tottenham youngster could seal a surprise place in Zlatko Dalic’s squad for the 2026 World Cup.
“Em is the youngest, he is also the captain. There is already no dispute about him that he should be on the list for the World Cup,” Puljic said on Croatian channel Sportske Novosti.
“Vuskovic is improving in every game, every month, at every gathering, and we will get true value from him for the next ten years.”
“What’s really pleasing about him is his head. He’s an incredible worker and thinks about football in a healthy way,” added Dobrinic.
World Cup call would be a dream come true moment
Vuskovic may not be thinking about the World Cup in America as he has just broken into the Croatian senior side. Zlatko Dalic wanting Croatia Under-21 manager Ivica Olic to use Vuskovic for their European qualifying fixture against Ukraine may be viewed as sort of demotion, but it was miles better for him to play rather get odd minutes off the bench in the senior setup.
It is very clear that the 18-year-old is highly regarded in Croatia and special efforts are being put to develop him. The Tottenham talent has to continue performing consistently at Hamburg, keep himself fit and prove himself against the best players. If he manages to do that over the course of the season, Dalic could be tempted to name Vuskovic in his squad for the World Cup next year.
