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Luka Modrić was included in Croatia’s squad on Monday and will play in his fifth World Cup.
Croatia coach Zlatko Dalić named a 26-man squad with Ivan Perišić, who has scored in the last three tournaments.
Modrić broke his cheekbone last month, but the Croatia captain is expected to be fit when Croatia start their World Cup campaign against England on June 17. It also plays Panama and Ghana in Group L.
Modrić, 40, won the Ballon d’Or in 2018 – ending the long reign of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. He made his international debut in 2006 and is the most capped Croatian player with 196 caps. He could reach the milestone of 200 caps at the World Cup.
Luka Modrić, who now plays for AC Milan, was awarded the Ballon d’Or in 2018 and is targeting his 200th career cap for Croatia at the 2026 World Cup. (Photo by Alessio Morgese/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Dalić’s squad does not lack experience. It also includes goalkeeper Dominik Livaković, defender Josko Gvardiol, midfielders Mateo Kovacić and Mario Pasalić, as well as Andrej Kamarić.
Croatia reached the 2018 World Cup final, lost to France and finished third at the 2022 tournament.
In addition to the 26-man squad, Dalić also named seven standby players.
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Croatia:
Goalkeepers: Dominik Livakovic, Dominik Kotarski, Ivor Pandur.
Defenders: Josko Gvardiol, Duje Caleta-Car, Josip Sutalo, Josip Stanisic, Marin Pongracic, Martin Erlic, Luka Vuskovic.
Midfielders: Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic, Mario Pasalic, Nikola Vlasic, Luka Sucic, Martin Baturina, Kristjian Jakic, Petar Sucic, Nikola Moro, Toni Fruk.
Forwards: Ivan Perisic, Andrej Kramaric, Ante Budimir, Marco Pasalic, Petar Musa, Igor Matanovic.
Standby players: Lovro Majer, Franjo Ivanovic, Dion Drena Beljo, Ivan Smolcic, Karlo Letica, Adrian Segecic, Luka Stojkovic.
Report from the Associated Press.
