Leading Croatia at the 2026 World Cup, Luka Modric follows the path of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

Luka Modric is once again in the spotlight after it was confirmed he will captain the Croatia national squad for the 2026 World Cup. The AC Milan midfielder joins the list of veteran players still capable of competing at football's biggest global tournament, alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Manuel Neuer.

This decision was announced by Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalic as he revealed the final 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup. Dalic retained every player named in the provisional squad, only cutting seven reserve players from the preliminary selection.

Now 40 years old, Modric remains trusted as the undisputed leader of a side that has established itself as a major force in European football over the past decade.

The legendary Croatian midfielder's international tenure has delivered multiple historic achievements for his nation.

Winner of the 2018 Ballon d'Or, Modric famously guided Croatia all the way to the 2018 World Cup final in Russia, where the team finished as runners-up.

Four years later, he once again led his country onto the tournament podium, securing third place at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Now one final opportunity stands before Modric to crown his international career with the only major trophy that has eluded him to date.

This ambition will be pursued with a Croatia squad that balances proven veteran experience with emerging young talent across every position.

In defence, Croatia continue to rely on Manchester City centre-back Josko Gvardiol. Attention will also fall on Luka Vuskovic, the promising young defender currently on loan at Hamburg SV.

Midfield remains Croatia's core strength, built around Modric. He will operate alongside Mateo Kovacic, Mario Pasalic, and a number of other established midfielders competing in top tier European leagues.

Up front, Zlatko Dalic has retained faith in senior forwards Ivan Perisic and Andrej Kramaric. They will be supported by Ante Budimir, Marco Pasalic, Petar Musa, and Igor Matanovic for the task of breaking down opposition defences.

Croatia's challenge begins immediately in the group stage. Nicknamed the Vatreni, they have been drawn into Group L alongside England, Ghana, and Panama. Tight, competitive fixtures are expected from the very first match as sides battle for knockout stage qualification.

Amidst this high pressure environment, Modric's presence stands as a symbol of experience and calm for Croatia. Just as with Cristiano Ronaldo for Portugal, Lionel Messi for Argentina, and Manuel Neuer for Germany, Modric is set to prove once again that age is no barrier to performing at the absolute highest level.

Croatia Squad List for the 2026 World Cup

Goalkeepers
Dominik Livakovic (Dinamo Zagreb)
Dominik Kotarski (Copenhagen)
Ivor Pandur (Hull City)

Defenders
Josko Gvardiol (Manchester City)
Duje Caleta-Car (Real Sociedad)
Josip Sutalo (Ajax)
Josip Stanisic (Bayern Munich)
Marin Pongracic (Fiorentina)
Kristijan Jakic (Augsburg)
Martin Erlic (Midtjylland)
Luka Vuskovic (Hamburg SV)

Midfielders
Luka Modric (AC Milan)
Mateo Kovacic (Manchester City)
Mario Pasalic (Atalanta)
Nikola Vlasic (Torino)
Luka Sucic (Real Sociedad)
Martin Baturina (Como)
Petar Sucic (Inter Milan)
Nikola Moro (Bologna)
Toni Fruk (Rijeka)

Forwards
Ivan Perisic (PSV Eindhoven)
Andrej Kramaric (Hoffenheim)
Ante Budimir (Osasuna)
Marco Pasalic (Orlando City)
Petar Musa (FC Dallas)
Igor Matanovic (Freiburg)