The day Croatia’s footballers first wore the famous checkered jerseys

On October 17, 1990, the Croatian national football team took to the pitch in its now-iconic red-and-white checkered jerseys for the first time, defeating the United States 2–1 in a match that marked the beginning of a new era in Croatian football.

The historic game was played in Zagreb as part of celebrations marking the return of the monument to Ban Josip Jelačić to the city’s main square. As Croatia moved towards independence, the match became a powerful symbol of national identity and pride.

Croatia’s National Team History Began in 1940

Although October 17, 1990, is widely regarded as the beginning of the modern Croatian national team, its history dates back much further.

In the spring of 1940, the Croatian national team played its first international match, representing the Banovina of Croatia under its coat of arms and flag. Croatia defeated Switzerland 4–0, with goalkeeper Glazer keeping a clean sheet. The team played two more matches against Hungary that year.

Croatia’s National Team History Began in 1940

In July 1941, during the Independent State of Croatia (NDH), the Croatian national team was admitted to FIFA, football’s international governing body.

The team, featuring players such as Jazbinšek, Wölfl, Antolković and Lešnik, went on to play 14 international matches.

After World War II and the establishment of socialist Yugoslavia, Croatia no longer fielded its own national team.

One exception came in 1956, when, at the special request of Indonesian President Sukarno, a Croatian selection played Indonesia in Zagreb, winning 5–2.

A Victory That Ushered in a New Football Era

After decades without an independent national team, Croatia returned to international football on October 17, 1990, wearing the red-and-white checkered jerseys that would become its trademark.

Playing in front of a home crowd in Zagreb, Croatia defeated the United States 2–1. The match remains one of the defining moments in the history of Croatian football.

It marked the beginning of a new chapter for the national team, which would go on to achieve major success at European Championships and World Cups in the decades that followed.

From the first appearance of the famous checkered jerseys to medals on the world stage, October 17 remains a landmark date in Croatian football history.