World Cup warm-up wins for Stanišić and Luis Díaz

Two FC Bayern players have given their confidence a boost just days before the start of the 2026 World Cup in Mexico, the USA and Canada: following two previous friendly defeats, the Croatian national team, featuring Josip Stanišić, beat Slovenia 2–1 (0–0) in their final warm-up on Sunday evening in Varaždin. Following goals from Luka Modrić (51’) and Andraž Šporar (83'), it was the German record champions' defender who set up the winner for Mario Pašalić in stoppage time (90'+3).

Croatia's tournament kicks off on Wednesday 17 June (22.00 CEST) with a high-profile clash against England, captained by Stanišić’s teammate Harry Kane in Dallas (USA). The other teams in group L are Panama and Ghana.

The Colombian national team, featuring Luis Díaz, also won their World Cup warm-up. Six days after their 3-1 victory over Costa Rica, the Cafeteros beat Jordan 2-0 in San Diego (USA). Both goals were scored by Jhon Arias (41’/55’), whilst Bayern forward Díaz came off at half-time.

Colombia's first game in the tournament is against Uzbekistan and kicks off at 04:00 CEST on 18 June at the Azteca Stadium in ; Díaz and his teammates will face the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Portugal in their other group stage matches.