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Luka Modrić was included in the Croatian national team on Monday and will play in his fifth World Cup.
The Croatian coach, Zlatko Dalić, named a squad of 26 players that also includes Ivan Perišić, scorer of goals in the last three tournaments.
Modrić broke his cheekbone last month, but the Croatia captain is expected to be fit when Croatia kick off their World Cup campaign against England on June 17. They also play against 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 international appearances. He could reach the mark of 200 World Cup caps.
Luka Modrić, who now plays for AC Milan, received the Ballon d’Or in 2018 and aspires to play the 200th game of his career with Croatia at the 2026 World Cup. (Photo by Alessio Morgese/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Dalić’s team 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 final of the 2018 World Cup, losing to France, and finished third in the 2022 tournament.
In addition to the 26-player squad, Dalić also named seven substitute 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.
Substitute players: Lovro Majer, Franjo Ivanovic, Dion Drena Beljo, Ivan Smolcic, Karlo Letica, Adrian Segecic, Luka Stojkovic.
Information from The Associated Press.
