January the 26th, 2026 – Football stadium construction across Croatia is in full swing with multiple active construction sites from Zagreb to Opatija.
As Poslovni Dnevnik writes, sport and infrastructure in Croatia are entering a watershed year as it seems that 2026 will be decisive for the future of football and sports facilities across the country. After years of stagnation and plenty of (sometimes confusing) announcements, five major football stadium construction sites across Croatia have been put into full operation. They range from capital projects in Zagreb to new sports arenas in regional centres nationwide.
slavonski brod
The reconstruction of the Stadium near the Sava in Slavonski Brod is continuing with the aim of increasing capacity and modernising the facilities, including stands adapted for people with disabilities and additional catering and media spaces. The works are currently underway and are expected to be completed some time this year.
zagreb
The largest and most important project is the new football stadium on Kranjčevićeva Ulica in Zagreb. Work is progressing well, the construction of the stands is underway, and the finalised facility will have 11,163 seats and UEFA category 4. The plan is for the stadium to be completed by September 2026, when it will serve as a temporary home for Dinamo and Lokomotiva before construction of the new Maksimir begins, according to Bauštela.
velika gorica
A modern HNS centre is being constructed in Velika Gorica with an administrative building, a 1,500-seat stadium, three fields and supporting infrastructure. This massive project, worth around 15 million euros, should be completed by 2027, with the works making great progress already.
bjelovar
A building permit has been issued in Bjelovar for the future Arena Bjelovar, a 5,000-seat stadium according to the standards of the First Croatian National League and European competitions. Works should start in March 2026 and end in the summer of 2027, with the city getting a brand new sports facility as early as next year.
opatija
A stadium with a capacity of 802 seats is currently being built in Opatija, with a new pitch and modernised facilities to accompany it. Although it will not meet the requirements of the highest level of competition if NK Opatija wins entry into the SuperSport HNL, this smaller football facility is expected to open in the spring of 2026.
