Croatian coach Zlatko Dalic has unveiled the names of the footballers selected for the 2026 World Cup, including the team captain, Luka Modric. At 40 years old, Modric is set to lead the squad for his fifth World Cup, as reported by AFP and EFE.

Modric's Return After Facial Injury

Modric, who plays for AC Milan, suffered a broken cheekbone on April 26 during a match against Juventus. He underwent surgery the following day and returned to the team after 20 days, though he hasn't played since. "He’s training with a mask and feeling well. This break might have been beneficial," Dalic said. "We’ll see how he is, but I have no doubt he’ll be in shape."

Young Talent and Key Injuries

The squad blends experienced players with young talents like defender Luka Vuskovic and attacking midfielder Martin Baturina. However, the preparations have been disrupted by the serious injury to key player Josko Gvardiol, who fractured his foot in January.

"We hope he’ll be ready to play," Dalic said. Croatia is in Group L of the World Cup, alongside England, Panama, and Ghana. The tournament will be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19. Before the World Cup, Croatia will play friendly matches against Belgium and Slovenia.

Croatia's World Cup Squad for 2026

Goalkeepers: Dominik Livakovic (Dinamo Zagreb), Dominik Kotarski (FC Copenhagen, Denmark), Ivor Pandur (Hull City, England)

Defenders: Josko Gvardiol (Manchester City, England), Duje Caleta-Car (Real Sociedad, Spain), Josip Sutalo (Ajax Amsterdam, Netherlands), Josip Stanisic (Bayern Munich, Germany), Marin Pongracic (Fiorentina, Italy), Martin Erlic (Midtjylland, Denmark), Luka Vuskovic (Hamburger SV, Germany)

Midfielders: Luka Modric (AC Milan, Italy), Mateo Kovacic (Manchester City, England), Mario Pasalic (Atalanta, Italy), Nikola Vlasic (Torino FC, Italy), Luka Sucic (Real Sociedad, Spain), Martin Baturina (Como, Italy), Kristijan Jakic (Augsburg, Germany), Petar Sucic (Inter Milan, Italy), Nikola Moro (Bologna, Italy), Toni Fruk (Rijeka)

Forwards: Ivan Perisic (PSV Eindhoven, Netherlands), Andrej Kramaric (Hoffenheim, Germany), Ante Budimir (Osasuna, Spain), Marco Pasalic (Orlando City, USA), Petar Musa (FC Dallas, USA), Igor Matanovic (Freiburg, Germany)