Dinamo Zagreb clinched their 26th Croatian First Football League (HNL) title on April 27, 2026, with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Varaždin at Maksimir Stadium. The win, secured four rounds before the end of the season, underscored the club’s dominance in Croatian football and set the stage for a post-match analysis by former Dinamo player and respected coach Dražen Besek, who highlighted the pivotal role of midfielder Josip Mišić and questioned his continued omission from Croatia’s national team.

Dinamo’s Title-Clinching Victory: A Battle of Quality vs. Discipline

Dinamo entered the match needing just one point to mathematically secure the championship, but Varaždin—known for their tactical discipline under coach Samir Toplak—proved a stubborn opponent. The visitors took an early lead through a well-worked set piece, only for Dinamo to respond with goals from Mišić in the 34th minute and top scorer Dion Drena Beljo in the 67th minute. Varaždin’s equalizer in the 55th minute, a headed goal from a right-wing cross, briefly reignited hopes of an upset, but Beljo’s late winner sealed Dinamo’s fourth consecutive league title and 26th overall.

Besek, speaking to Net.hr after the match, praised Varaždin’s organization but emphasized the gulf in individual quality that ultimately decided the outcome. “Congratulations to Dinamo on a well-deserved title,” Besek said. “They had competition this season, but four rounds before the end, they’ve confirmed their dominance. The victory over Varaždin wasn’t straightforward, but it was deserved. Varaždin are a really good team—they play well and have been consistent all season. But quality makes the difference. They wanted it, but they couldn’t match Dinamo’s class.”

Josip Mišić: The Midfield Maestro Deserving of National Team Recognition

While Beljo’s goal-scoring exploits (he leads the HNL with 22 goals this season) have drawn attention ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Besek reserved his highest praise for Mišić, Dinamo’s captain and midfield engine. The 28-year-old, who has been a linchpin for Dinamo since returning to the club in 2022, delivered another masterclass against Varaždin, scoring a crucial goal and dictating play with his passing and tactical intelligence.

“If Josip Mišić’s performances aren’t enough for a call-up to the Croatian national team—even as the 26th man—then I don’t know what is,” Besek told Net.hr. “This player proves himself in every match. He’s like a coach on the field, an extension of the manager. How seriously he takes his role isn’t just about goals—though he scored because the situation demanded it—but about how he controlled the game. In the first half, he shut down [Varaždin midfielders] Luka Stojković and Ivan Soldo.

“Mišić rarely lacks a solution. There were a couple of misplaced passes in the second half, but they were high up the pitch and didn’t create danger. Everything else he solves with ease. What’s most critical for a defensive midfielder is that his decisions don’t put teammates in trouble—they get them out of trouble. That’s what sets players like him apart. It’s no coincidence he’s Dinamo’s captain or plays in that role. He’s the kind of player who should be recognized for everything he does in Croatian football, season after season.”

Mišić’s omission from Croatia’s squad for recent UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers and friendlies has puzzled observers, given his consistency and leadership at club level. While national team coach Zlatko Dalić has favored younger or more attack-minded midfielders, Besek’s comments reignite the debate over whether Croatia’s depth is being fully utilized. With the World Cup looming, the question of Mišić’s inclusion—or exclusion—will likely intensify in the coming months.

Dion Drena Beljo: The Goal Machine Eyeing World Cup Glory

While Mišić’s contributions are often measured in control and distribution, Beljo’s value is simpler: goals. The 24-year-old striker, who joined Dinamo from Osijek in 2023, has been in sensational form this season, with his 22 league goals putting him on track to break the HNL’s single-season scoring record. His late winner against Varaždin was his 30th goal in all competitions for Dinamo, a tally that has made him a strong candidate for Croatia’s World Cup squad.

Besek acknowledged Beljo’s importance but suggested that his role in the national team would depend on Dalić’s tactical setup. “Beljo deserves credit—he’s the league’s top scorer and a constant threat,” Besek said. “But in the national team, it’s about how he fits into the system. If Dalić wants a target man, Beljo is ideal. If he prefers a more mobile striker, it might be different. Either way, he’s earned his place in the conversation.”

What’s Next for Dinamo and Croatia’s World Cup Hopes

With the league title secured, Dinamo can now focus on their remaining fixtures, including a potential Croatian Football Cup final against Hajduk Split, as well as preparations for next season’s UEFA Champions League campaign. For Mišić and Beljo, the next few weeks will be critical as they seek to impress Dalić ahead of Croatia’s final World Cup squad announcement in late May.

The national team, which finished third at the 2022 World Cup, faces a challenging group stage in 2026, with matches against Canada, Morocco and a yet-to-be-determined opponent. With key players like Luka Modrić (39) and Ivan Perišić (36) nearing the end of their international careers, the spotlight will be on younger talents like Mišić and Beljo to step up.

How to Follow the Story

For official updates on Dinamo Zagreb and the HNL, visit the Croatian Football Federation’s website. Croatia’s national team news can be found on the Croatian Football Federation (HNS) site. For live scores and fixtures, check Flashscore or SofaScore.

The next major checkpoint for Dinamo is their Croatian Football Cup semifinal second leg against Rijeka on May 8, 2026. For Croatia, the final World Cup squad announcement is expected on May 25, ahead of the tournament’s June 11 kickoff.