Luka Modric has been included in Croatia’s 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup and is set to appear at the tournament for the fifth time in his career.
The 40-year-old midfielder had been a fitness concern after breaking his cheekbone on April 26, an injury that ended his club season with AC Milan. However, Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic expects his captain to be ready for the team’s opening match against England on June 17.
Croatia will also face Panama and Ghana in Group L as they look to continue their strong recent record on the World Cup stage.
Modric remains the biggest name in Dalic’s squad. The 2018 Ballon d’Or winner made his international debut in 2006 and is Croatia’s most capped player with 196 appearances. If Croatia progress beyond the group stage, he could reach the 200-cap milestone during the tournament.
Dalic has also selected several other experienced players, including Ivan Perisic, who has scored at each of the past three World Cups. Goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic, defender Josko Gvardiol, midfielders Mateo Kovacic and Mario Pasalic, and forward Andrej Kramaric are also included.
Croatia head into the tournament with a strong World Cup pedigree. They reached the final in 2018, losing to France, and finished third in 2022 after being beaten by eventual champions Argentina in the semi-finals.
The goalkeeping group features Livakovic, Dominik Kotarski and Ivor Pandur.
In defence, Dalic has named Gvardiol, Duje Caleta-Car, Josip Sutalo, Josip Stanisic, Marin Pongracic, Martin Erlic and Luka Vuskovic.
The midfield includes Modric, Kovacic, Pasalic, Nikola Vlasic, Luka Sucic, Martin Baturina, Kristijan Jakic, Petar Sucic, Nikola Moro and Toni Fruk.
Croatia’s forward options are Perisic, Kramaric, Ante Budimir, Marco Pasalic, Petar Musa and Igor Matanovic.
Dalic has also named seven stand-by players: Lovro Majer, Franjo Ivanovic, Dion Drena Beljo, Ivan Smolcic, Karlo Letica, Adrian Segecic and Luka Stojkovic.
For Croatia, the headline is clear. Modric is back, and one of the great international careers is set for another World Cup chapter.
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