AGP Executive Report

World Cup Countdown: The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off this week with a record 48 teams, 104 matches across the US, Canada and Mexico, and Group L already packed for Croatia fans: England vs Croatia in Dallas on June 17, then Croatia vs Ghana in Philadelphia on June 27. Croatia on Form: Croatia closed warm-ups with a late 2-1 win over Slovenia in Varaždin, with Luka Modrić scoring early in the second half and Mario Pašalić sealing it in stoppage time as Croatia head to the tournament with momentum. England Updates: Thomas Tuchel confirmed Declan Rice as England’s vice-captain, while Harry Kane played down heat fears ahead of the opener, saying the conditions “won’t be a factor.” Security Concern: A shooting in Kansas City near England’s World Cup base left nine people injured, prompting fresh attention on US gun violence as squads prepare to move camps. Tournament Talk: A Reuters economist poll tips France to edge Spain for the title, with Kylian Mbappé leading the favourites.

Croatia–EU Watch: New EU pay transparency rules kicked in on Sunday, but Croatia is still finishing the legislative work to fully implement the directive, aiming to make salary-setting clearer and curb gender pay discrimination. World Cup Focus (Croatia’s build-up): Croatia’s Luka Modrić is set to play a fifth World Cup as the team prepares for its opener vs England, with a confidence boost coming from a friendly against Slovenia in Varždin (7:45pm BST, Amazon Prime Video pay-per-view). Ghana vs Croatia Group L Stakes: Ghana’s Fred Acheampong says the Black Stars’ minimum target is reaching the knockout stage, with Carlos Queiroz tasked to get them through a tough Group L that includes England and Croatia. Local Sports & Culture: Virovitica-Podravina is leaning into tourism built around restored castles, manor houses, and UNESCO-linked nature and heritage sites, including Papuk Nature Park and the Drava River. Tennis Spotlight: Maria Timofeeva reached the WTA 125 final in Makarska.

England World Cup build-up: Harry Kane’s late first-half header sealed a 1-0 win over New Zealand in Tampa as Thomas Tuchel rotated heavily, used two different starting XIs, and later admitted the first half was too “freestyle” and not in line with the plan. Croatia angle: England’s Group L opener is against Croatia on June 17, with the warm-up also spotlighting who could start alongside Kane. Belgium momentum: Belgium thrashed Tunisia 5-0 in Brussels, with Romelu Lukaku getting minutes off the bench, boosting confidence ahead of their tournament opener. Brazil warm-up: Brazil beat Egypt 2-1 in Cleveland, extending their winning run to three matches. EU compliance watch: The European Commission launched legal action against Cyprus (and others including Croatia) over missing aviation fuel penalty rules under ReFuelEU. Croatia lifestyle & economy: Rijeka is highlighted as a budget-friendly “hidden gem” gateway to nearby islands, while new reporting asks whether Croatia’s foreign-worker boom is starting to slow.

World Cup Build-Up (Croatia ties): England’s Thomas Tuchel says the team won’t use heat and travel as an excuse, even as he admits he’s “a little bit worried” about the newly relaid Tampa pitch ahead of the New Zealand friendly. Group L Focus (Ghana vs Croatia/England): Ghana captain Jordan Ayew urges the Black Stars to prove their quality and be ready for Group L’s challenge against Panama, England and Croatia, while former Ghana captain Stephen Appiah calls it “their time” and stresses mental discipline in a world of social media. Predictions & Odds: Opta gives Ghana a 6.8% chance to reach the quarter-finals, with only 0.2% to win the trophy, despite Spain and France leading the overall title forecasts. Local News (Croatia): Four people died in a small plane crash over Istria, with authorities investigating the cause. EU Policy (Croatia angle): A pay-transparency deadline study says Croatia is among countries without a legislative draft or timeline for the new EU rules.

World Cup Countdown (Croatia in Group L): Ghana’s Black Stars confirmed squad numbers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Lawrence Ati-Zigi in goal (1), captain Jordan Ayew keeping 9, Brandon Thomas-Asante 10, and Antoine Semenyo 11; Ghana open against Panama (June 17) before England (June 23) and Croatia (Group L matchday details tied to the same group setup). England-Croatia Focus (Heat prep): England are training in Florida ahead of their June 17 opener vs Croatia, with reports saying they’ll use palm-cooling devices and manage player workload amid heat and humidity; coach Thomas Tuchel also voiced concern about a patchwork pitch for a warm-up vs New Zealand but said they can adjust if needed. Local Life & Travel (Croatia angle): A look at why major projects in Croatia take so long highlights long planning, permits, procurement, EU compliance, and contractor or cost shocks—while another travel piece spotlights cheap, scenic ferry routes for tourists and locals. EU Policy (Croatia-relevant region): The European Commission approved Lithuania’s €884m Social Climate Plan for a cleaner transition, supporting energy-efficiency upgrades and transport access for vulnerable groups.

World Cup Heat Safety: England will use palm-cooling tech and FIFA’s three-minute hydration breaks as 2026 matches push into dangerous summer temperatures, while FIFA also bans reusable water bottles in stadiums. Croatia in the Spotlight: Croatia’s World Cup base and training setup in Alexandria, plus kit and fan-facing coverage, keeps the team’s Group L opener vs England (June 17) front and center. Group L Focus: Ghana captain Jordan Ayew says the Black Stars must “start winning” and insists he’s not living in the shadow of his famous family as they prepare for matches against Panama, England and Croatia. EU Enlargement Push: EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen urged faster, more credible accession talks at a Balkans summit in Montenegro, with Montenegro seen as the test case. Croatia Aviation Tragedy: Reports continue to follow a small plane crash in Croatia’s Istria region that killed four people. Tourism & Travel Mood: New research suggests many Britons expect parts of Europe, including Croatia, to become too hot for holidays within five years, nudging travel plans toward cooler seasons or destinations.

Croatia Tragedy: Four people were killed after a small light aircraft crashed near Medulin on Croatia’s Istria coast, with police confirming multiple fatalities and authorities launching an investigation into how the plane “spiralled” before impact. World Cup Countdown: With the 2026 FIFA World Cup starting June 11 and ending July 19, coverage is ramping up on match schedules, group storylines, and what fans can do without tickets. Croatia in Group L: Croatia’s World Cup preparations stay in focus as England and Ghana also line up in the same group, with Croatia’s squad led by Luka Modrić. EU Politics: The EU and partners announced up to €641m for Moldova investments, while Bosnia’s peace process hit a snag as the PIC failed to agree on a new High Representative. Energy & Climate: A new analysis says solar has saved Europe €136m per day since the Iran war began, boosting energy security amid volatile fuel prices. Local Sports & Travel: Sweden’s team is set to base in Frisco during the World Cup, with a Scandinavian shop helping them feel at home.

Aviation Tragedy in Istria: Four people were killed in a small plane crash near Medulin, with investigators expected to arrive later as emergency services and firefighters respond. Roads & Travel Disruptions: Croatia’s Corpus Christi holiday brought heavy traffic on major routes, including slowdowns on the A1 and queues near the A2 Trakošćan toll plaza, plus added risks from rockfalls and temporary road closures in Zagreb. Tourism Safety Cooperation: Slovak police officers will return to Croatia for the summer tourist season, with eight officers split between July and August to help Slovak holidaymakers. World Cup Build-Up (Croatia’s Group): Ghana captain Jordan Ayew says the England clash in Group L against Croatia and Panama is “a special game,” as preparations intensify ahead of the June 11 tournament start. Environment Monitoring Upgrade: Croatia’s Josip Juraj Strossmayer Water Institute is rolling out satellite-based monitoring to detect pollution changes in rivers, lakes and seas earlier than before. EV Infrastructure (EU angle): The European Investment Bank signed an advisory deal with Ireland to speed up nationwide EV charging—another sign of EU momentum on clean transport.

World Cup Injury Watch: Messi, Mbappé and Lamine Yamal are all named for the 2026 squads despite fitness scares, while other stars like France’s Hugo Ekitike and Brazil’s Rodrygo and Militão are ruled out. Croatia–Slovenia Football: Slovenia will play friendlies vs Cyprus in Ljubljana and vs Croatia in Varaždin, with Benjamin Šeško out injured. Croatia Economy & Tourism: Croatia’s growth is slowing, and the government’s new anti-inflation measures have sparked anger among tourism landlords and private accommodation owners. Croatia Administration: Croatia has launched a Central Population Register, starting partial operation June 1, aiming to cut bureaucracy and keep demographic data continuously updated. Dubrovnik Nightlife for Matches: Dubrovnik approved extended bar and restaurant hours on Croatia match nights, with curbs on disorder and noise. Regional Politics in the Air: Slovenia refused an Israeli plane landing in Ljubljana, forcing it to divert to Zagreb, drawing political accusations. Sports & Security: Europol says it dismantled illegal streaming networks across Europe, taking down thousands of piracy URLs.

World Cup Build-Up (Croatia in focus): Belgium beat Croatia 2-0 in a World Cup warm-up, with Youri Tielemans scoring and Romelu Lukaku adding a late second as both teams fine-tune ahead of the June 11-July 19 tournament. Ghana Group L Watch: Ghana held Wales 1-1 in Cardiff; Caleb Yirenkyi scored, but Lewis Koumas equalised late. Former players Augustine Arhinful criticised goalkeeper Benjamin Asare’s cross handling and urged Thomas Partey to regain peak fitness, while Carlos Queiroz continues shaping his final squad. Croatia-Linked Travel Disruption: Israir says a flight from Tel Aviv to Ljubljana was denied landing in Slovenia and diverted to Zagreb, escalating political tensions around aviation access. Croatia Sports Culture: Croatian World Cup superfan Ivana Knoll posted a bizarre AI video of herself scoring vs England, sparking confusion and jokes online. Croatia Business: Croatia’s banks posted a strong start to 2026, with €419.7m net profit in Q1, up 12% year-on-year.

World Cup Group L Buzz: Ghana’s Carlos Queiroz kicked off his reign with a 1-1 friendly draw vs Wales in Cardiff, with Caleb Yirenkyi scoring and Lewis Koumas equalising in stoppage time; Queiroz says the mission is clear—qualify for the second round. Croatia-England Context: England named their 26-man World Cup squad under Thomas Tuchel amid backlash over omissions and leaks, with the Three Lions set to open against Croatia in Dallas on June 17. Belgium vs Croatia Warm-up: Belgium beat Croatia 2-0 in a Rijeka friendly, with Romelu Lukaku scoring late as Luka Modrić reportedly played with an injury mask. Croatia Travel & City Rules: Dubrovnik and Split are tightening enforcement ahead of peak season—higher on-the-spot fines for disorder in Dubrovnik and proposed late-night alcohol limits in Split. Border Logistics: Croatia’s Interior Ministry says long truck waits at some crossings are tied to customs system upgrades, not police border control. EU Wildfire Readiness: The European Commission deployed a record wildfire response with 777 firefighters and aircraft across high-risk Mediterranean regions.

Croatia in the spotlight: Darijo Srna says Croatia should go into the 2026 World Cup with “zero pressure,” praising Zlatko Dalić and urging respect for the coach’s legacy as the Vatreni chase another strong run. World Cup build-up (Croatia’s group): Croatia and Belgium meet in a pre-tournament friendly today, with Croatia’s camp described as upbeat and focused on selection ahead of Group L clashes vs England, Panama and Ghana. Croatia football star economics: Reports on Luka Modrić’s post-Real Madrid move to AC Milan highlight how his contract and brand deals keep him among Europe’s top earners heading into his likely swansong. Culture & film: Split hosts the Mediterranean Film Festival (11–20 June) with a record 112 films from 39 countries and the largest number of Croatian premieres to date. Local sports & community: England’s squad has started acclimatising in Florida with open fan training sessions as the World Cup approaches.

Croatia World Cup Focus: Zlatko Dalić has named an unchanged 26-man Croatia squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Luka Modrić set to captain what’s expected to be his last tournament. The roster mixes experience and youth, including Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovačić alongside teenager Luka Vuskovic, and sets Croatia up for Group L clashes with England, Ghana and Panama. Ghana Ticket Controversy: Ghana’s Sports Minister Kofi Iddie Adams says the government secured 1,000 World Cup tickets in advance for Black Stars supporters to avoid inflated costs, and he rejects claims of illegal resale, promising transparency and checks. Travel & Border Reality (Croatia): A reader reports delays at Croatia’s biometric entry system after being asked to submit the same fingerprints and photo twice, raising questions about how the automated booths work during the transition. Sport Culture: A football culture piece captures the intensity behind Bosnia’s fan phrase “Above us the sky will burn,” while another asks south east Londoners whether they’ll display England flags amid debate over symbolism. World Cup Prep: England’s squad has landed in Florida for warm-ups, while Belgium coach Rudi Garcia insists Romelu Lukaku is fit enough to contribute after a hamstring layoff.

Croatia-UK Football Focus: England’s World Cup preparations are ramping up with Thomas Tuchel admitting the squad isn’t used to the heat and humidity expected in the US, Mexico and Canada—especially ahead of the opener against Croatia on June 17. Ghana-England-Croatia Group L Watch: Ghana’s Black Stars are treating their Wales friendly as a key benchmark for the tournament, while defender Derrick Luckassen has joined camp as Alexander Djiku is set to miss the World Cup due to injury concerns. World Cup Fan Life in Croatia’s Orbit: FIFA’s Club Benefits Programme is set to pay clubs for releasing players—Leicester City, for example, is set to receive a slice of the £262m pool thanks to World Cup-bound Abdul Fatawu and Harry Souttar. Travel & Border Reality: Schengen visa rules remain a headache for many applicants, with 2025 data showing rejection rates and big country-by-country swings. Local Croatia Angle: Zagreb’s new bridge project is being framed as one of the city’s most important development moves.

World Cup 2026 Focus: FIFA says referees will crack down on time-wasting as the 48-team tournament starts in under two weeks, and it will also issue red cards for players who cover their mouths during confrontational moments. Croatia Tourism & Culture: Cavtat and Konavle won the Golden Apple “Tourism Oscar,” with the award spotlighting sustainable tourism and protection of local heritage. Croatia Economy & Society: A debate is heating up over whether Croatia can keep relying on foreign workers as demographics worsen; experts warn tourism could face disruption if arrivals suddenly stop. Media & Ownership: Croatia and the wider region are watching the sale of Adria News Network to Alpac Capital, as journalists’ groups warn it could affect media pluralism and editorial independence. Travel Practicalities: RegioJet is restarting and expanding Prague-to-Adriatic bus routes, with more departures from June 12 and several already selling out. Sports (Croatia-linked): Croatia’s Luka Modrić is highlighted as he eyes one more World Cup chapter at age 40.

Neretva Delta Water Security: Work has started in Opuzen on the second phase of an €85.5m freshwater project to stop seawater intrusion and protect Lower Neretva farmland from salinisation, including a pumping station and 119+ km of pressurised pipelines, with completion planned in four years. Croatian Football Spotlight: Luka Modrić’s future at AC Milan is again in focus after he posted an emotional message to fans following the club’s Champions League exit, while attention now shifts to Croatia’s World Cup campaign. World Cup Build-Up (Croatia in Group L): Ghana’s Black Stars camp in Cardiff has grown to 24 players with Thomas Partey and Inaki Williams arriving ahead of the Wales friendly on June 2; Ghana’s group includes Panama, England and Croatia. Dubrovnik in the Spotlight: A new 4K YouTube video is driving fresh global interest in Dubrovnik’s Old Town and city walls, while Reuters also reports Dubrovnik hosted major debate on stablecoins and tokenised deposits. Tourism & Culture: Zagreb Marathon is ranked among Europe’s most affordable, and the 77th Dubrovnik Summer Festival has announced eight drama productions for July–August.