Luka Modric

Luka Modrić, Croatia's all-time most-capped player and captain, is expected to be included in Croatia's 2026 World Cup squad at age 40 for what would be a farewell tournament. Croatia open against England on 17 June 2026 in Arlington, Texas, a rematch of the 2018 World Cup semi-final that Croatia won to reach the final.

Modrić won four Champions League titles with Real Madrid and was named FIFA World Player of the Year in 2018. He is widely considered the greatest Croatian footballer of all time. His presence in the 2026 squad remains subject to his club form and fitness at 40.