FC Barcelona new signing Dominik Livakovic has been called up by Croatia for their next four Nations League fixtures.
The new Barcelona goalkeeper is part of Slaven Bilic’s plans for a demanding international window that will see Croatia face Spain twice, as well as taking on the Czech Republic and England.
Livakovic to feature for Croatia
The first international break of the 2026/27 season is just around the corner.
Croatia will begin the run of fixtures on 26 September against the Czech Republic in Prague. Three days later, on 29 September, they will travel to Seville to face Spain.
They will then host England in Rijeka on 3 October, before completing the international break with another meeting against Spain on 6 October, this time in Split.
And, Livakovic, who excelled for Croatia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, is a part of new manager Bilic’s plans.
For the veteran goalkeeper, the call-up comes at an important moment as he has only recently joined Barcelona and has yet to make his debut for the Catalan club.
Playing for Croatia could therefore help him regain competitive sharpness and keep him ready for the battle for playing time at Barça under Hansi Flick.
Bilić insists Livakovic needs to play
After announcing the squad, Croatia boss Bilic has discussed Livakovic’s situation and revealed that the pair have spoken recently.
“We spoke, he called me twice. He asked for my opinion and, from my side, I told him he has nothing to prove,” Bilic explained, as quoted by SPORT.
“No Croatian goalkeeper has ever gone to such a big club,” he said.
However, Bilic also stressed that regular football remains important, particularly for a goalkeeper.
Slaven Bilic replaced Zlatko Dalic as Croatia manager. (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images)
“On the other hand, you have to play. As a second goalkeeper, you get rotated, you’re there and you have to be constantly ready,” he added.
Livakovic retains considerable credit with the national team after his performances over recent years.
“He has a lot of credit with the national team. He was brilliant for us even when he wasn’t playing at Girona. But you have to play,” Bilic concluded.
Livakovic set for Barcelona reunions
The schedule will also give Livakovic the chance to meet several of his new Barcelona teammates on the international stage.
He will come up against the club’s Spanish internationals in both matches against Spain, in Seville and Split.
Livakovic could also face Anthony Gordon when Croatia take on England in Rijeka.
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