Captain Luka Modrić is leading Croatia into their fifth World Cup, an event that is likely to be his last major international tournament. Coach Zlatko Dalić has named a roster of 30 players for the tournament, which will be held in the USA, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19. This will be Modrić's fifth World Cup appearance, following his participation in 2006, 2014, 2018, and 2022. Croatia will be seeking to build upon their silver medal from 2018 and bronze medal from 2022. Modrić is also on the verge of a remarkable milestone, with this World Cup potentially being his 200th appearance for Croatia, further cementing his status as a legend.

The roster includes familiar faces such as goalkeeper Dominik Livaković, defenders Joško Gvardiol and Josip Šutalo, midfielders Mateo Kovačić and Mario Pašalić, and forwards Ivan Perišić and Andrej Kramarić. The standby list comprises players like Lovro Majer and Franjo Ivanović. The final 26-player squad will be announced on June 1.

The tournament will see Croatia face England, Panama, and Ghana in Group L. A question remains whether Modrić will need to wear a protective mask due to a recent facial injury sustained while playing for Real Madrid. The 40-year-old midfielder's fifth World Cup appearance places him among elite company such as Lothar Matthäus and Rafa Márquez, while stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are set to make their sixth appearances.