Full Breakdown
Luka Modric Leads Croatia’s Veteran-Heavy Squad to the 2026 World Cup
5/19/2026, 1:34:42 AM
Squad Announcement and Core Details
On 18 May 2026, Croatia’s football federation released a 26-man roster for the FIFA World Cup in North America. Veteran midfielder Luka Modric (AC Milan, 40) was named captain, despite having undergone cheekbone surgery on 26 April. The squad also includes long-time internationals Ivan Perišic (PSV), Mateo Kovacic (Manchester City), Mario Pašalic (Atalanta) and Andrej Kramaric (Hoffenheim). Goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic (Dinamo Zagreb) anchors the three-keeper line alongside Dominik Kotarski (Copenhagen) and Ivor Pandur (Hull City).
Background & Recent Performance
Croatia reached the 2018 final (lost to France) and secured third place in 2022, marking three podium finishes in four tournaments. The team qualified for 2026 by topping UEFA Group L with a 7-1-0 record, scoring 26 goals and conceding four, and clinching the spot on 14 Nov 2025 after a 3-1 win over the Faroe Islands. The nation currently sits 11th in the FIFA rankings (March 2026).
Key Players and Squad Composition
- Centurions: Modric (196 caps, could reach 200), Perišic (152), Kovacic (111), Kramaric (114).
- Defensive core: Josko Gvardiol (Manchester City), Duje Caleta-Car (Real Sociedad), Josip Sutalo (Ajax), Josip Stanišic (Bayern Munich), Marin Pongracic (Fiorentina), Martin Erlic (Midtjylland), Luka Vuskovic (Hamburger SV, 19).
- Midfield depth: Nikola Vlašic (Torino), Luka Súcic (Real Sociedad), Martin Baturina (Como), Kristijan Jakic (Augsburg), Petar Súcic (Inter Milan), Nikola Moro (Bologna), Toni Fruk (Rijeka).
- Attack: Ante Budimir (Osasuna), Marco Pašalic (Orlando City), Petar Musa (FC Dallas, MLS top-scorer tied with Messi), Igor Matanovic (Freiburg).
Only one out-field player, Vuskovic, is under 23, underscoring the squad’s veteran orientation.
Data & Statistics
- Caps >= 100: Modric, Perišic, Kovacic, Kramaric (four players).
- Group L opponents: England (first match 17 June, Arlington, Texas), Panama (22 June, Toronto), Ghana (27 June, Philadelphia).
- Qualification goal-difference: +22.
Official Statements & Coach’s Outlook
Coach Zlatko Dalic emphasized that Modric’s recovery is on track and that his experience will be pivotal. Dalic noted Gvardiol’s return from a shin fracture and pledged to give him minutes in the pre-tournament friendlies. Tactically, Dalic expects a compact, defensive shape against England, adding extra midfielders, while planning a more attacking approach versus Panama and Ghana. He reiterated the primary objective: “to get through the group.”
Criticism and Public Debate
Several Croatian pundits questioned the exclusion of prolific striker Dion Drena Beljo (38 goals in 47 matches) from the main roster, arguing the decision reflects the depth of competition rather than merit. Others voiced concern over the squad’s age profile, suggesting limited long-term continuity beyond the 2026 tournament.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the tournament’s opening day: some list the World Cup start as 11 June 2026, while others cite Croatia’s first match on 17 June. All agree on the group composition and the 26-player list, leaving no substantive factual gaps.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He’s training with a facial mask and doing well. Maybe this break helped him,” — Zlatko Dalic
- “We hope he'll be ready to play. We expect him to be a major boost for us in the US.” — Zlatko Dalic
- “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,” — Zlatko Dalic
- “We will certainly be tougher and more defensive against England, playing with more midfielders.” — Zlatko Dalic
What’s Next
Croatia will face Belgium (2 June, Rijeka) and Slovenia (7 June, Varaždin) in final warm-up matches before departing for the United States. Their World Cup campaign begins against England on 17 June, with the aim of advancing beyond the group stage for a potential third consecutive semifinal appearance.
