Luka Modric is set to play his fifth and likely final FIFA World Cup 2026 after Croatia named their 26-man squad, once again trusting the experienced core that brought the country global success.
The AC Milan star forward’s incredible international journey is preparing for one final chapter. At 40, the Croatia captain has been included in coach Zlatko Dalic’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite recently suffering a fractured cheekbone playing for his Serie-A club. The injury had raised serious doubts over his availability after he underwent surgery in April, but Croatia remained confident that their biggest leader would recover in time for the tournament.
The upcoming quadrennial show piece event has already evoked strong emotions among Croatian fans, who want their team to lift the elusive silverware on the North American continent.
Modric made his international debut in 2006 and has since established himself as the finest player in Croatian football history. From taking Croatia to the 2018 World Cup final to finishing third in 2022, the Ballon d’Or winner has guided the country through its most successful football era. With 196 international appearances, he might reach the 200-match mark during what is widely expected to be his last World Cup campaign.
Croatia Trust Experience Again
Dalic is once again depending on players who understand tournament pressure. Alongside Modric, experienced names like Ivan Perisic, Mateo Kovacic, Josko Gvardiol also find a place in the 26-strong squad.
Perisic, now 37, will play his fourth World Cup and remains one of Croatia’s most important attacking players after scoring in each of the last three tournaments.
Gvardiol also finds himself in the squad after recovering from a shin fracture, and is expected to strengthen the team’s defence. Talking about Gvardiol’s fitness, coach Dalic, while speaking to BBC Sport, said, “He’s training with a [facial] mask and doing well. Maybe this break helped him.” He added further, “We’ll see his condition, but I don’t doubt him. He’ll be in good form.”
Major Misses And Surprise Decisions
While the team’s core stays familiar, there are still a couple of surprising omissions. Midfielder Lovro Majer and striker Dion Drena Beljo are both placed on standby despite strong recent form. Their absence shows the management is focusing more on trusted experience than making major changes before the tournament.
England Challenge Awaits Croatia
Placed in a tough Group L draw, Croatia begin their World Cup campaign against England on June 17 before facing Panama and Ghana.
Coach Dalic has also cautioned the team to not be complacent in the Group stage and admitted that his will approach England game seriously. He was further quoted by BBC Sport, as saying, “The main goal is to get through the group. I’m optimistic as always, we have a good national team. We have quality, youth and experience.”
He also added, “We will certainly be tougher and more defensive against England, playing with more midfielders. England want to be world champions.”
For Croatia, the mission is clear – trust the experience and come together to give Luka Modric one final unforgettable finish at the FIFA World Cup.
Story first published: Thursday, May 21, 2026, 16:34 [IST]
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