The Croatia national under-21 football team represents Croatia in international football matches for players 21 or under. It is governed by the Croatian Football Federation, the governing body for football in Croatia. It is a member of UEFA in Europe and FIFA in global competitions. The team's colours reference two national symbols: the Croatian checkerboard and the country's tricolour. They are colloquially referred to as the Mladi vatreni ('Young Blazers'). So far, the Mladi vatreni qualified for five UEFA European Under-21 Championships, namely in 2000, 2004, 2019, 2021 and 2023. Croatia was unable to pass the group stage until the 2021 Euro when it was eliminated in the quarter-finals, its greatest accomplishment in the European competition so far.
Contents
Results and fixtures
The following is a list of match results in the last 12 months, as well as any future matches that have been scheduled.
Win
Draw
Loss
Fixture
Coaching staff
Players
Current squad
The following players were named in the squad for the 2027 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualification match against Turkey on 31 March 2026.
Caps and goals correct as of 31 March 2026, after the match against Turkey
Recent call-ups
The following players have also been called up to the squad in the last 12 months and are still eligible for selection.
Competitive record
Champions Runners-up Third place Fourth place Tournament played fully or partially on home soil
UEFA European Under-21 Championship
Draws include knockout matches decided via penalty shoot-out; correct as of 20 November 2023 after the match against Belarus.
Notes
OFF = Lost in play-offs.
Statistics
Managers
The following table provides a summary of the complete record of each manager including their results regarding European Under-21 Championship.
Key: Pld–games played, W–games won, D–games drawn; L–games lost, %–win percentage
Last updated: Croatia vs Belarus, 20 November 2023. Statistics include official FIFA-recognised matches only.
Most capped players
Players in bold are still active with Croatia.
Last updated: Belarus vs Croatia, 20 November 2023
Source: Croatian Football Federation
Top goalscorers
Players in bold are still active with Croatia.
Last updated: Belarus vs Croatia, 20 November 2023
Source: Croatian Football Federation
Record per opponent
Correct as of 6 June 2026, after the match against the Republic of Ireland.
Source: Croatian Football Federation