After the Croatian jersey, the Americans spat out "Beautiful Ours". Look where they ranked it.

A prominent American sports media outlet, The Athletic, recently published an analysis evaluating the national anthems of all 48 teams participating in the upcoming World Cup in 2026. Among these, Croatia's anthem, "Lijepa naša domovino," did not fare well in the rankings. According to the assessment, the Croatian anthem was placed at the 40th position out of 48, receiving criticism for its lack of energy and uniformity. The authors of the analysis noted that many Croatian players were observed murmuring quietly during the performance, indicating a disconnect between the anthem and the audience. While the piece features beautiful violin melodies, it was deemed to lack vitality and fail to elevate the atmosphere effectively.

The critique extended beyond the musical composition itself, touching upon specific lyrics within the anthem. In particular, the reference to "djedovina" ("fatherland") drew ironic commentary from the analysts, highlighting how such phrasing might seem somewhat outdated when considering the experience of the Croatian national team. This placement placed Croatia among other nations whose anthems were described as melancholic and soporific, including Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands. On the opposite end of the spectrum, Brazil, France, and Portugal topped the rankings, while England, Jordan, and Spain received the lowest scores.

Croatia’s national football team had already faced scrutiny over their jersey design, which was criticized by American observers as unappealing. However, the attention given to the national anthem adds another layer to the discussion about how the country presents itself on the global stage. The match against England, which ended in a 2:4 defeat for Croatia, marked the beginning of their World Cup campaign. Despite the loss, the focus shifted to elements beyond the game itself—specifically, the visual and auditory aspects of the event, including the national anthem.

According to The Athletic, the English national anthem, "God Save the Queen" (or "King"), received the worst rating of 1 out of 10. The critique highlighted the anthem's harsh musical tone and its content, which focuses on a single elderly figure rather than a broader national identity. The article humorously suggested that only individuals who are devout monarchists and enjoy ceremonial music would appreciate the anthem, while others might support a movement for a new national anthem that resonates more with the general population.

In contrast, Bosnia and Herzegovina's national anthem was ranked highly, securing the 10th position. The analysis praised the solemn, solo violin performance by Aleksandar Gajić during their match against Canada. Described as moving and reminiscent of a scene from The Lord of the Rings film series, the anthem created a powerful emotional impact. Players were seen placing their hands over their hearts, some appearing visibly moved. Although there is division among citizens regarding the anthem—some dislike it, others sing unofficial versions—the performance in Toronto was considered exceptional, earning an 8 out of 10 score.

The evaluation of national anthems has become a significant aspect of international sporting events, reflecting cultural identities and national pride. As the World Cup approaches, these assessments will likely continue to influence public perception and discussions around national representation. With Croatia's anthem receiving mixed reviews, the nation now faces the challenge of addressing these critiques while maintaining its unique cultural heritage. The upcoming matches will provide further opportunities to observe how the anthem is perceived both domestically and internationally.