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Croatia Names Modric Captain, Gvardiol Despite Injuries

5/19/2026

Summary

Modric Captains Squad

Croatia announced a 26-player squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on May 18, 2026.
Luka Modric (AC Milan) was named captain while recovering from a cheekbone fracture.
Josko Gvardiol (Manchester City) earned selection despite a season-long broken shin.
Croatia qualified by winning UEFA Group L on November 14, 2025 and will face England on June 17 in Arlington, Panama on June 22 in Toronto, and Ghana on June 27 in Philadelphia.

Summary

Modric Leads Squad

The 26-man Croatia squad draws players from clubs in eight European leagues and Major League Soccer, showing a broadly international club base.
MLS forwards Petar Musa (Dallas) and Marco Pasalic (Orlando City) are the only North-American-based players in the roster.
Manchester City provides defender Josko Gvardiol and midfielder Mateo Kovacic, reflecting the club’s impact on Croatia’s defence and midfield.
AC Milan supplies captain Luka Modric, who stays despite recent cheekbone surgery.

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Modric Captains Squad

Croatia announced a 26-player squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on May 18, 2026.
Luka Modric (AC Milan) was named captain while recovering from a cheekbone fracture.
Josko Gvardiol (Manchester City) earned selection despite a season-long broken shin.
Croatia qualified by winning UEFA Group L on November 14, 2025 and will face England on June 17 in Arlington, Panama on June 22 in Toronto, and Ghana on June 27 in Philadelphia.

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