Luka Modric will head to his fifth World Cup this summer after Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalic included the 40-year-old in a 26-man squad for the tournament in the United States. The veteran midfielder is currently working his way back from a fractured cheekbone sustained in a clash of heads during Inter Milan's match against Juventus at the end of April, and has since had surgery — but Dalic remains firmly convinced his captain will be ready.

"He's training with a [facial] mask and doing well. Maybe this break helped him," Dalic said. "We'll see his condition, but I don't doubt him. He'll be in good form."

Modric, who won the Ballon d'Or in 2018, is Croatia's most-capped player with 196 appearances for his country. He was the driving force behind their run to the World Cup final in 2018 and the semi-final in Qatar four years later, and at 40 he remains the heartbeat of a generation-defining side. His longevity at the highest level is extraordinary — his career having taken in spells at Tottenham Hotspur, Real Madrid, and now Inter Milan.

Gvardiol also included despite injury concern

Modric is not the only injury doubt in the squad. Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol was named despite suffering a broken shin in January. Dalic said the 23-year-old would be given time during warm-up fixtures to build match sharpness ahead of the group stage, describing him as a potentially "major boost" for the team once fully fit.

Gvardiol's City team-mate Mateo Kovacic is also in the squad, as is Hull City goalkeeper Ivor Pandur — one of three players based in English football. Former Everton and West Ham midfielder Nikola Vlasic, now at Torino, is included alongside ex-Tottenham winger Ivan Perisic, who currently plays for PSV Eindhoven.

England loom in Group L

For English fans, the squad announcement carries obvious significance. Croatia are drawn against England in Group L, with the two sides set to meet on 17 June at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The game will evoke familiar memories — it was Croatia who ended England's run at the 2018 World Cup semi-final and beat Gareth Southgate's side in the group stage at Euro 2020.

Dalic offered a candid preview of Croatia's approach to that fixture. "We will certainly be tougher and more defensive against England, playing with more midfielders," he said. "England want to be world champions." Croatia will also face Panama and Ghana in the group, with Dalic describing all three games as genuine challenges regardless of the identity of the opponents.

"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," the coach added.

A squad balancing experience with youth

The full squad reflects a careful blend. Alongside Modric's incomparable experience, younger names such as Luka Vuskovic of Hamburg and Martin Baturina of Como suggest Croatia are building with one eye beyond this tournament. Andrej Kramaric, Marco Pasalic, and Ante Budimir provide attacking options, while the midfield — always Croatia's greatest strength — looks well stocked even accounting for Modric's fitness concerns.

Whether Modric can play a meaningful role at a fifth World Cup at the age of 40 is a question that will fascinate football fans well beyond the Balkans. On past evidence, it would be unwise to write him off.

  • Croatia vs England: 17 June, Dallas Stadium, Arlington, Texas
  • Croatia's other Group L opponents: Panama, Ghana
  • Tournament kick-off: 11 June 2026

Frequently asked

When do England play Croatia at the 2026 World Cup?
England face Croatia on 17 June 2026 at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas, in their opening Group L fixture.
Is Luka Modric fit for the 2026 World Cup?
Modric suffered a fractured cheekbone in late April but has undergone surgery and is training with a protective mask. Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic expects him to be fit for the tournament, which begins on 11 June.
Which English-based players are in Croatia's World Cup squad?
Three players based in English football are included: Manchester City's Mateo Kovacic and Josko Gvardiol, plus Hull City goalkeeper Ivor Pandur.