AGP Executive Report

World Cup kickoff buzz: The 2026 FIFA World Cup is officially underway across Mexico, the U.S. and Canada, with Mexico beating South Africa 2-0 in the opening match and South Korea taking on Czechia next, as fans worldwide gear up for the expanded 48-team format. England-Croatia spotlight: England’s Thomas Tuchel is weighing tactical options for the opener against Croatia, including whether Jude Bellingham can be used in a more advanced “No9/free role” setup after his impact in the Costa Rica warm-up. Croatian diaspora watch culture: In Kansas City, St. John’s Catholic Club is preparing big Croatian watch parties for the summer, with Croatian food and community energy expected to grow as the tournament hits local matchdays. Croatia-related travel and borders: Slovenia is easing border checks with Croatia and Hungary from 12 June to reduce summer traffic jams, shifting to more mobile, targeted policing. Human-interest Croatia link: A Croatian-born man, Frano Selak, remains a viral story for reportedly surviving multiple near-death accidents and later winning the lottery.

World Cup Kickoff: The 2026 FIFA World Cup is finally underway with Mexico vs South Africa at Estadio Azteca, followed by South Korea vs Czechia, as the expanded 48-team tournament rolls out across Mexico, Canada and the U.S. England-Croatia Focus: England’s first match comes June 17 against Croatia, after a 3-0 warm-up win over Costa Rica, with attention also on how heat and humidity could affect performances. Croatia in the spotlight beyond football: Zagreb hosts a creative industry moment too, with 11 short-film projects selected for “Let’s Pitch Some Shorts!” running 15–18 June, culminating in a public pitching forum on 18 June at Kaptol Cinema Boutique. Local business win: ACG Packaging Materials says its Croatia facility has earned ISO certifications (9001:2015 and EN ISO 15378:2017), reinforcing its quality and packaging supply role. Tourism angle: Dubrovnik is seeing rising demand, with U.S. visitors up 12% so far in 2026 thanks to direct flights.

World Cup Kickoff & TV Guide: The 2026 FIFA World Cup starts today with Mexico vs South Africa in Mexico City, followed by South Korea vs Czechia—ESPN-style schedules list dozens of broadcast and streaming options across the US, Canada and beyond. England Warm-Up Results: England closed World Cup preparations with a 3-0 friendly win over Costa Rica in Orlando, with Declan Rice, Anthony Gordon (penalty) and Ollie Watkins scoring after a storm delayed kick-off. Croatia Focus: Croatia’s Group L opener is coming fast—England’s next competitive test is Croatia on June 17, with Croatia arriving in the US after late warm-up success. Regional Diplomacy: Croatia’s foreign minister Gordan Grlić-Radman took part in the SEECP summit in Sofia, as leaders pushed regional cooperation and stability. Croatia-BiH Border Changes: A new bilateral deal will reorganize Croatia–BiH border crossings and align operations with Schengen rules, aiming to cut summer congestion. Tourism & Cost of Living: Dutch research says camping in Croatia is the most expensive in Europe, while Dubrovnik’s overtourism turnaround is being praised as a model.

Croatia Court Update: Croatia’s High Criminal Court upheld the 2023 conviction of Branimir Glavas, sentencing him to seven years for war crimes against Serb civilians in Osijek in 1991, with co-defendants’ prison terms also confirmed. World Cup Focus (Croatia opener): Croatia’s World Cup plan is set around a back four, with coach Zlatko Dalić likely reverting to formations built on key players like Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovačić as Croatia prepares for Group L matches including the opener vs England in Dallas on June 17. Ghana Pressure & Group L: Marcel Desailly says Ghana’s AFCON failure has pushed expectations to a breaking point ahead of the tournament, while goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi stresses unity and team fight as the Black Stars face Panama, England and Croatia. EU Diplomacy: The EU Council appointed Cosmin George Dinescu to lead the new European Union Partnership Mission in Armenia, starting June 11, with a mandate focused on resilience and crisis-management. Business/Industry: TeraPlast agreed to acquire Aliaxis’s MASA polyethylene pipes business in Spain, expanding its footprint in Western Europe and North Africa.

World Cup Build-Up (Croatia): Croatia’s national team has arrived in Northern Virginia, landing at Dulles before heading to Alexandria as fans greeted Luka Modrić and the squad on the way to their base camp and training at a local high school. Group L Focus: Croatia will open against England, then face Panama and Ghana, with the final group clash against Ghana set for June 27 in Philadelphia. England’s Approach: England coach Thomas Tuchel says the Three Lions are not favourites despite bookmaker rankings, stressing they must “dare to dream” and win as a team; he also highlighted careful workload management for Bukayo Saka ahead of the warm-up versus Costa Rica. Matchday Atmosphere: In England’s World Cup run-up, landlords say later kick-offs could help pubs and hospitality, with extended licensing hours agreed for England matches. Croatia-Related Health/Travel Note: Croatia also confirmed a new African swine fever case this week, while preparations and tourism activity continue alongside the tournament buzz.

World Cup Kickoff Focus: The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to begin with Mexico vs South Africa, and the early buzz is all about who can grab the Golden Ball—BetMGM odds currently list Spain’s Lamine Yamal and England’s Harry Kane as slight favorites, with France’s Kylian Mbappé and Michael Olise also in the mix. Croatia in the Spotlight: Croatia’s Group L presence is front and center for fans, with England’s opener against Croatia in Dallas highlighted across coverage, while Croatia’s tourism momentum continues alongside the football hype. Tourism & Culture: Croatia’s National Tourist Board reports strong growth in the first five months of 2026, with 4.5 million visitors and 14 million overnight stays, plus major visibility for Dubrovnik in international travel media. Local Events: Pelješac’s popular Flavours of Pelješac festival returns this summer in Orebić, blending food, wine, music—and a charity element. Practical Travel Warning: Separately, WTTC warns that Europe’s new EES border system could deter visitors due to long delays.

Croatia in the World Cup spotlight: Croatia is set for its 2026 campaign with Luka Modrić framed as the key figure for a “last push,” while Croatia’s coach Zlatko Dalić admitted the opener vs England can “destroy everything,” as the team heads into the tournament with pressure and high expectations. Ghana vs Croatia group stakes: Ghana’s Black Stars are building toward Group L (Panama, England, Croatia) with Carlos Queiroz urging players to “make history,” and officials stressing that a strong start is crucial—though Mohammed Kudus’ injury means Ghana will miss a major attacking threat. Local sports culture: In Slovenia, BRAVE CF 106 in Ljubljana crowned new champions in heavyweight and light heavyweight title fights, highlighting the region’s growing MMA scene. Croatian community abroad: Simply Slavic completed its first preservation project, restoring entrance signage at the Strossmayer Croatian Picnic Grounds in Vienna ahead of the Croatian festival. World Cup logistics: With the tournament expanding to 48 teams across the US, Canada and Mexico, fans and businesses are already gearing up for matchday crowds and screenings.

World Cup Countdown (Croatia in focus): The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off June 11 across the US, Mexico and Canada, with England starting their Group L campaign on June 17 against Croatia, followed by Ghana (June 23) and Panama (June 27). England Team News: England coach Thomas Tuchel says Jude Bellingham is not guaranteed a starting spot, insisting there are “14 or 15” potential starters and that Bellingham must fight for the No. 10 role. Croatia Match Build-Up: Croatia is using Alexandria, Virginia as its World Cup base camp, with local Croatian heritage events and watch parties planned during the tournament. Ghana Group L Update: Ghana’s new home kit won’t be worn in the group stage after FIFA match-colour allocations, and Honduras has withdrawn from a planned friendly, leaving Ghana with one fewer tune-up before the tournament. Transport & Travel (regional): Europe is set to expand cross-border autonomous vehicle testing, and direct rail links from Czechia toward Croatia’s Adriatic connections are improving this summer.

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.