Luka Modric, the 40-year-old Croatian midfielder and 2018 Ballon d'Or winner, made Croatia's 26-man preliminary squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup announced on May 18, 2026 [1, 2].
Modric suffered a fractured cheekbone late April during a match against Juventus and underwent surgery in early May. He has since resumed training wearing a facial mask as part of his recovery [3, 1]. Head coach Zlatko Dalic said, "He's training with a facial mask and doing well. Maybe this break helped him. We'll see his condition, but I don't doubt him. He'll be in good form" [3]. Dalic also added, "We hope he'll be ready to play. We expect him to be a major boost for us in the U.S." [1]. Modric is expected to recover in time for the tournament starting June 11, 2026 [3, 2].
Croatia opens its World Cup campaign on June 17, 2026, against England in Arlington, Texas. The team then faces Ghana and Panama in Group L [3, 1, 2]. Dalic explained the tactical approach: "We will certainly be tougher and more defensive against England, playing with more midfielders. England want to be world champions. Against Ghana and Panama, it will be different - much more attack-oriented - but neither are any less challenging." [3]
The squad also includes 24-year-old Josko Gvardiol, who suffered a broken shin in January but is expected to regain match fitness in warm-up matches ahead of the tournament [3, 2]. Another notable inclusion is 19-year-old Luka Vuskovic, a defensive prospect on loan at Hamburger SV from Tottenham Hotspur, who returned from a knee injury to make the team [1, 2].
Coach Dalic emphasized the balance in the squad, stating, "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." [1]
Croatia's final World Cup squad will be announced on June 1, 2026 [1, 2]. The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, begins on June 11, 2026 [1].
