Luka Modric has been included in Croatia’s preliminary World Cup squad after cheekbone surgery as Zlatko Dalic names a balanced 26-man roster.
Croatia captain Luka Modric has been included in Zlatko Dalic’s preliminary squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite recently undergoing cheekbone surgery. The 40-year-old midfielder is expected to recover in time for the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Modric suffered the injury during AC Milan’s clash against Juventus in late April, ending his club season early. However, Croatia’s coaching staff remain optimistic about his fitness ahead of their opening Group L match against England on June 17.
Head coach Dalic confirmed Modric has already returned to training while wearing a protective facial mask. The Croatia manager said the veteran playmaker is progressing well and should regain full sharpness before the tournament begins.
Modric is preparing for what could become his fifth World Cup appearance. The former Real Madrid star has made 196 appearances for Croatia and remains the nation’s most capped player. He could also surpass the 200-cap mark if Croatia progress beyond the group stage.
The 2018 Ballon d'Or winner continues to play a central role for his country. Dalic believes his experience and leadership will be crucial in a difficult group featuring England, Ghana and Panama.
Croatia’s squad blends proven tournament performers with emerging young talents. Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol was included despite recently recovering from a tibial fracture that sidelined him for several months. Dalic revealed Gvardiol will use the warm-up matches to rebuild fitness before the clash with England in Arlington, Texas. The 24-year-old is expected to partner a defensive group containing Josip Sutalo, Josip Stanisic and highly rated teenager Luka Vuskovic.
Midfield depth remains one of Croatia’s strongest assets. Alongside Modric, Dalic selected Mateo Kovacic, Mario Pasalic, Luka Sucic and Martin Baturina. Nikola Vlasic and Petar Sucic also offer creativity and energy in central areas.
In attack, veteran winger Ivan Perisic returns for another World Cup campaign. The PSV Eindhoven player has scored in Croatia’s previous three World Cups and remains a reliable figure in big tournaments.
Croatia have consistently impressed on the world stage under Dalic. They finished runners-up at the 2018 World Cup before securing third place in Qatar four years later. Dalic admitted Croatia will approach matches differently depending on the opposition. He expects a more cautious setup against England, while anticipating a more attacking style against Ghana and Panama.
The coach believes his squad possesses the right balance between youth and experience. Teenage defender Vuskovic is regarded as one of Europe’s brightest prospects, while players like Modric and Perisic provide leadership and composure.
Croatia also named seven standby players, including Wolfsburg midfielder Lovro Majer and Portsmouth winger Adrian Segecic. Final squad confirmation is expected on June 1.
Croatia open their World Cup campaign against England on June 17 before facing Ghana and Panama in their remaining Group L fixtures. Dalic’s side will enter the tournament hoping to extend their impressive World Cup pedigree. Much attention will focus on Modric’s condition in the coming weeks. If fully fit, the veteran midfielder could once again become the heartbeat of Croatia’s midfield on football’s biggest stage.
Goalkeepers: Dominik Livakovic (Dinamo Zagreb), Dominik Kotarski (Kobenhavn), Ivor Pandur (Hull City)
Defenders: Josko Gvardiol (Manchester City), Duje Caleta-Car (Real Sociedad), Josip Sutalo (Ajax), Josip Stanisic (Bayern Munich), Marin Pongracic (Fiorentina), Martin Erlic (Midtjylland), Luka Vuskovic (Hamburg)
Midfielders: Luka Modric (AC Milan), Mateo Kovacic (Manchester City), Mario Pasalic (Atalanta), Nikola Vlasic (Torino), Luka Sucic (Real Sociedad), Martin Baturina (Como), Kristijan Jakic (Augsburg), 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)
Manager: Zlatko Dalic
