Ivan Rakitic Reveals He Still Avoids Watching Croatia's 2018 World Cup Final Loss to France

Rakitic Opens Up About 2018 World Cup Final Pain

Ivan Rakitic has revealed he still cannot watch the highlights of Croatia's heartbreaking 2018 World Cup final loss against France. The former midfield star said the memory remains too painful to face again.

Moscow Memories Remain Raw

Rakitic was a key figure in Croatia’s midfield during their historic run to the 2018 World Cup final at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium. Despite playing the full match, the team lost 4-2 to France. The journey included three knockout-stage comebacks, but falling just short in the final left a deep wound for Rakitic.

"It was tough. To this day, I haven’t watched a single clip of that final, and if you played it now, I’d turn away," Rakitic told Spanish media MARCA during an event in Seville ahead of Croatia’s upcoming game against Spain.

Underdog Success Earned Global Respect

Even though they missed out on lifting the trophy, Rakitic highlighted the pride they felt representing a small nation of under four million people on such a grand stage.

"Ten minutes after losing it, we felt immense pride because Croatia isn’t Spain; it’s very small, with a population not even reaching four million, but we achieved something special: we even won over the hearts and respect of so many people in France," he said.

He also shared that messages of support poured in from around the world despite the loss. "I received messages from all over the world, even though I would have much preferred to lift the trophy."

Croatia Faces Spain in Nations League Clash

Looking ahead, Croatia prepares to take on Spain at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan stadium in their UEFA Nations League Group A3 match. Slaven Bilic’s squad aims to secure three points to move ahead of La Roja after a 2-1 victory over Czechia in their opening match.

• Match: Croatia vs Spain
• Date: 29 September 2026
• Competition: UEFA Nations League Group A3

The challenge in Andalusia will test Croatia’s resilience before they finish their remaining fixtures in this international window.