By participating in the 2026 World Cup, Modric will join the rare group of legends who have participated in five World Cups.
Luka Modric has once again affirmed his status as an icon of Croatian football by being called up to participate in the 2026 World Cup at the age of 40.
Coach Zlatko Dalic has just announced a preliminary list of 26 players along with 7 reserves in preparation for the biggest football event on the planet, taking place in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Modric continues to be central to Croatia's plans for the tournament, which is likely his final appearance in the national team's colors.
This will be the fifth World Cup of the career of the midfielder currently playing for AC Milan. Previously, Modric participated in the 2006, 2014, 2018 and 2022 World Cups. The only tournament he missed was the 2010 World Cup, when Croatia failed to qualify.
Modric's continued participation in the 2026 World Cup would allow him to join the rare group of legends who have participated in five World Cups, alongside names like Lothar Matthaus, Rafa Marquez, and Andres Guardado.
During the tournament, Modric will also reach the milestone of 200 appearances for the Croatian national team, a number that reflects the midfielder's exceptional stature in his country's football.
At 40, Modric no longer possesses the same level of physical fitness as during his peak at Real Madrid, but his experience, tactical vision, and ability to control the game remain extremely important.
Under Dalic, Modric was not only a technical leader but also a spiritual pillar for Croatia throughout their journey over the years. He played a major role in helping the Balkan team win the runner-up position at the 2018 World Cup and third place at the 2022 World Cup, two historic milestones for the country's football.
Croatia enters the 2026 World Cup with a squad that combines experience and youth. Besides Modric, Dalic's team also boasts several other notable names such as Mateo Kovacic, Josko Gvardiol, and Mario Pasalic.
However, all eyes will undoubtedly remain on Modric, who is about to conclude one of the greatest international careers in modern football history.
For Croatia, the 2026 World Cup is not simply a major tournament anymore. It could also be the final farewell to the best player the country's football has ever produced.