Luka Modric, the Croatian maestro, defies age and injuries by being called up for the 2026 World Cup, leaving the football world in shock and Croatia dreaming big. At 40 years old, the Inter Milan midfielder, winner of the Ballon d’Or in 2018, is determined to make his mark in the planet’s most prestigious tournament, even after suffering a serious fracture to his zygomatic bone in a head collision against Juventus in April.
Coach Zlatko Dalic has no doubts about Modric’s ability to recover in time. “He is training with a facial mask and is progressing well. Perhaps this break has been beneficial for him. We will see how he is physically, but I have no doubt about his value. He will arrive in good shape,” said the manager, expressing confidence in the return of his captain.
Modric, who has already shone in the finals of the 2018 (runner-up) and 2022 (semi-finalist) World Cups, will compete in his fifth edition of the World Cup, a rare and impressive feat for an athlete of his age. His experience and class are considered crucial for Croatia’s ambition to surpass the group stage and go even further.
Another key name in the squad is Josko Gvardiol, defender for Manchester City, who, despite suffering a tibia fracture in January, has also been called up. Dalic revealed that Gvardiol will get minutes in the preparation matches to regain competitive rhythm: “We hope he will be ready to play and be an important asset for us in the United States.”
The call-up also includes other notable players, such as Manchester City midfielder Mateo Kovacic, Hull City goalkeeper Ivor Pandur, and veterans like former Tottenham player Ivan Perisic, now at PSV Eindhoven, and Nikola Vlasic from Torino. A balanced mix of youth, experience, and talent that promises a solid performance.
In the Group L matches, Croatia will debut against England on June 17 at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas, before facing Panama and Ghana. Dalic revealed the strategy for this initial clash: “The main objective is to advance from the group stage. I am optimistic because we have a strong team, with quality, youth, and experience. Against England, we will be more defensive and cautious, playing with more midfielders, as they want to be world champions. In the games against Ghana and Panama, our style will be more offensive, but no opponent will be easy.”
Croatia, with a squad full of stars and an indomitable leader in Modric, thus presents itself as an unexpected candidate, ready to challenge expectations and make an impact at the 2026 World Cup.
Complete Croatia Call-Up for the 2026 World Cup:
Goalkeepers: Dominik Livakovic (Dinamo Zagreb), Dominik Kotarski (Copenhagen), Ivor Pandur (Hull City).
Defenders: Josko Gvardiol (Manchester City), Duje Caleta-Car (Real Sociedad), Josip Sutalo (Ajax Amsterdam), Josip Stanisic (Bayern Munich), Marin Pongracic (Fiorentina), Martin Erlic (Midtjylland), Luka Vuskovic (Hamburg).
Midfielders: Luka Modric (Inter Milan), Mateo Kovacic (Manchester City), Mario Pasalic (Atalanta), Nikola Vlasic (Torino), Luka Sucic (Real Sociedad), Martin Baturina (Como), Kristijan Jakic (Augsburg), Petar Sucic (Inter Milan), Nikola Moro (Bologna), Toni Fruk (Rijeka).
Forwards: Ivan Perisic (PSV Eindhoven), Andrej Kramaric (Hoffenheim), Ante Budimir (Osasuna), Marco Pasalic (Orlando City), Petar Musa (Dallas), Igor Matanovic (Freiburg).
With this call-up, Croatia not only confirms its ambition but also sends a clear warning to its opponents: Modric will not give up without a fight, and the team is ready to surprise at this summer’s World Cup.
This article first appeared on Apito Final.
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