Luka Modric is confirmed for a fifth World Cup appearance after receiving a place in Croatia’s 26-player squad for the 2026 tournament. Modric recovered from a broken cheekbone suffered with AC Milan, and will again captain Croatia at the finals, extending an international career that already includes a World Cup Golden Ball and two previous deep runs at the competition.
Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalic announced the final group on Monday, also naming seven back-up players who can be drafted in if needed. Croatia are heading to the 2026 World Cup following an unbeaten qualifying campaign, recording seven wins and one draw, which secured another trip to the global stage for the 2018 runners-up and 2022 bronze medallists.
The squad features a strong core from major European leagues, including Manchester City pair Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic. Former Tottenham winger Ivan Perisic also returns, continuing a long spell with the national team. Dalic opted for a balanced list, mixing experienced names like Modric and Perisic with emerging options such as Luka Sucic, Martin Baturina and teenage defender Luka Vuskovic.
Modric already holds the national record for World Cup finals appearances with 19 games played. Over the last three World Cup tournaments, no player in any team has produced more line-breaking passes than Modric. The Croatia captain has broken opposition defensive lines 199 times across 17 World Cup matches, highlighting a key role in Croatia’s possession and attacking structure.
Perisic arrives in 2026 with one of the strongest major tournament records in Croatian history. Perisic has been directly involved in more goals than any other Croatian in major tournament history (1810 goals, eight assists in World Cup/EUROs). Hes also one of only three players to have both scored and assisted at each of the last three World Cups, alongside Lionel Messi and Neymar.
The announced forward and attacking midfield group includes Perisic, Andrej Kramaric, Ante Budimir, Marco Pasalic, Petar Musa and Igor Matanovic. Support from midfield will come from Modric, Kovacic, Mario Pasalic, Nikola Vlasic, Sucic, Baturina, Kristijan Jakic, Petar Sucic, Nikola Moro and Toni Fruk. This combination offers Dalic several options for shape changes during the tournament.
Croatia World Cup squad list and stand-by players
In goal, Dalic selected Dominik Livakovic, Dominik Kotarski and Ivor Pandur. Defensive choices are Gvardiol, Duje Caleta-Car, Josip Sutalo, Josip Stanisic, Marin Pongracic, Martin Erlic and Vuskovic. The seven stand-by players are Lovro Majer, Franjo Ivanovic, Dion Drena Beljo, Ivan Smolcic, Karlo Letica, Adrian Segecic and Luka Stojkovic, who will train and wait in case of injuries or withdrawals.
| Position | Players |
|---|---|
| Goalkeepers | Dominik Livakovic, Dominik Kotarski, Ivor Pandur |
| Defenders | Josko Gvardiol, Duje Caleta-Car, Josip Sutalo, Josip Stanisic, Marin Pongracic, Martin Erlic, Luka Vuskovic |
| Midfielders | Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic, Mario Pasalic, Nikola Vlasic, Luka Sucic, Martin Baturina, Kristijan Jakic, Petar Sucic, Nikola Moro, Toni Fruk |
| Forwards | Ivan Perisic, Andrej Kramaric, Ante Budimir, Marco Pasalic, Petar Musa, Igor Matanovic |
| Stand-by players | Lovro Majer, Franjo Ivanovic, Dion Drena Beljo, Ivan Smolcic, Karlo Letica, Adrian Segecic, Luka Stojkovic |
The Croatian Football Federation highlighted the announcement on social media with a message reflecting the squad’s identity and expectations ahead of the 2026 tournament, sharing details with supporters and underlining the continuity of Dalic’s core group from recent competitions, including several players familiar to followers across Europe and the Middle East.
Croatia enter the 2026 World Cup with a settled Croatia World Cup squad built around Modric’s control and Perisic’s end product. The inclusion of younger players beside experienced figures provides Dalic with continuity and fresh options as Croatia aim to extend a period of consistent World Cup performances.
Story first published: Tuesday, May 19, 2026, 2:44 [IST]
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