Croatia have named their World Cup 2026 squad — and Luka Modrić is in it. He is 40 years old. He plays for AC Milan. He has won six Champions Leagues and a Ballon d'Or. He has taken Croatia to a World Cup final (2018) and two semi-finals. And he is going to North America to play one more time. Alongside him: Joško Gvardiol from Manchester City, who represents everything Croatia will be after Modrić. Between them: a generation in transition that has somehow, tournament after tournament, found a way to beat expectation.
Modrić's Final World Cup — One More Time
There was genuine debate about whether Modrić would be named. At 40, after leaving Real Madrid and joining AC Milan, the question was not his quality — it was his minutes, his availability, his physical load. The coaching staff answered clearly: he is in, he starts, and Croatia are built around him one final time.
His move to AC Milan has been characterised by intelligence rather than prominence. He plays less, influences more. His role in training, in team meetings and in the tactical preparation for opponents is as important as anything he does in 90 minutes. Croatia know how to use him — they have been doing it for 20 years.
Ivan Perišić's return at PSV is the other veteran story. He missed the 2022 World Cup through injury and has rebuilt his career in the Netherlands. At 37, his role will be specific — a wide option with the experience to deliver in moments that matter. Like Modrić, his best football is now concentrated rather than continuous.
The generational handover is already underway. Luka Vušković (Tottenham Hotspur) is one of Europe's most highly rated teenage centre-backs. Luka Sučić and Martin Baturina represent Croatia's creative future. Petar Sučić at Inter Milan adds Premier League-quality competition for midfield spots. This squad is not just saying goodbye — it is welcoming what comes next.
Key Players to Watch
Squad Analysis — Experience and the Next Wave
Ten midfielders in a 26-man squad reflects Croatia's identity. They are a team that builds from the middle — controlling tempo, pressing in waves, creating through combination rather than individual brilliance. Modrić and Kovačić are the senior axis; Sučić, Baturina and Petar Sučić are the future.
The attacking options are more limited than in previous tournaments. Kramarić and Budimir (Osasuna) are the likely striking rotation. Perišić brings experienced wide cover. Petar Musa (FC Dallas) and Igor Matanović (Freiburg) are developmental options. The squad's goals will come from midfield runners as much as from dedicated forwards.
Gvardiol at left-back versus Josip Stanišić (Bayern Munich) at right-back gives Croatia excellent width defensively. Šutalo (Ajax) has become a reliable centre-back partner for whoever plays alongside him. Luka Vušković's inclusion at Spurs is the most exciting long-term defensive story.
Group L — Croatia's Path
World Cup History
One to Watch — Luka Modrić
Prediction
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