The world’s biggest sporting event is on the horizon. The 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to take place from June 11th to July 19th in 16 cities across Canada, Mexico, and the United States, is rapidly approaching.
This will be the largest World Cup in history, featuring 48 participating teams. Archysport reached out to Croatian broadcaster HRT (Hrvatska radiotelevizija) for details on their coverage plans. “HRT will hold a press presentation before the tournament to inform the public about all the details of this project, and everyone will receive the necessary information. As before, all matches will be broadcast,” a spokesperson for HRT confirmed.
Speculation has been mounting regarding whether popular commentator Joško Jeličić would be part of HRT’s broadcast team. Jeličić, a mainstay of major sporting event coverage in recent years, recently posted “see you soon” on Instagram, fueling anticipation. Although, HRT has now confirmed that Jeličić will not be involved in their coverage of the 2026 World Cup. “At this time, People can confirm that Joško Jeličić will not be part of the team for this year’s World Cup,” HRT stated.
Previous Employment Termination
Jeličić was terminated from his position at MaxSport following an indictment from the State Attorney’s Office (DORH) regarding alleged false testimony in the trial of Zdravko Mamić. This coincided with Jeličić’s public criticism of the Hajduk Split administration. MaxSport stated at the time: “Given the legal proceedings initiated against sports commentator Joško Jeličić, we have decided to suspend our business cooperation. While Joško Jeličić is focused on legal proceedings, our program on Max Sport will remain focused on analyzing and commenting on sports content.”
Jeličić remained largely silent until recently, when he ignited social media with a post stating: “When you have no arguments – you attack the messenger. Old school. The chronology is actually simple: you say what you think → someone “defends themselves” → someone feels attacked → institutions suddenly remember old sins → you disappear from the screen the same day. Kill the messenger, right? But you know what? The messenger is only dangerous when he carries a message that hurts. And the truth always hurts those who need to hear it most first. If the price of honesty is termination, then I obviously did something right. If the past is activated just when I speak up, then I hit where I needed to. If everyone defends themselves, it means the ball went in.”
He continued, “I’m not worried. Television is just a studio. Integrity is a career. And a voice that speaks without fear cannot be extinguished – it can only be moved. The truth may lose its time slot, but it never loses its value. Thank you to everyone for the enormous support, I’m sorry they shut down the demonstrate overnight that got under the skin of even those who aren’t football fanatics.”
Jeličić expressed gratitude, stating, “The biggest compliment to my work came through the tears of my dearest Valentina Miletić. Special thanks to my dear Ivica Vrgoč. See you soon…” he wrote in his Instagram post.
It’s worth noting that Jeličić also departed a project related to EURO 2024 prior to this. During a podcast appearance on Tribina, he explained: “After Zaccagni eliminated us, he eliminated me too. I decided I didn’t want to anymore, I didn’t have the energy or emotion. I called Šapita, thanked him, and he accepted it. I always had maximum support from HRT and never had any attempt to influence anything. That was my decision alone.”
The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, represents a significant expansion of the tournament to 48 teams. This expanded format will undoubtedly create latest storylines and opportunities for nations to compete on the world stage. The tournament is scheduled to kick off on June 11, 2026, with the final taking place on July 19, 2026.
While Jeličić won’t be behind the microphone for HRT’s coverage, the broadcaster has assured fans that all matches will be televised, with a full presentation of their plans to be unveiled to the media shortly. The absence of a familiar voice will be felt by many Croatian football fans, but the focus now shifts to the on-field action as the countdown to the 2026 World Cup continues.
What are your thoughts on Jeličić’s departure from HRT’s World Cup coverage? Share your opinions in the comments below.
