AC Milan star Luka Modrić headlines Croatia’s final 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, officially announced by head coach Zlatko Dalić this Monday.
Despite suffering a facial injury nearly a month ago, the 40-year-old maestro is expected to make a full recovery in time for the tournament. This marks Modrić’s fifth consecutive World Cup appearance, as he looks to crown a legendary career that peaked with a runner-up finish in 2018.
The Last of the Golden Generation
The squad features seasoned veterans such as Ivan Perišić, Mateo Kovačić, Andrej Kramarić, and goalkeeper Dominik Livaković. These stars represent the remaining pillars of the “Golden Generation” that secured back-to-back podium finishes (Silver in 2018, Bronze in 2022).
Croatia faces a challenging path in the group stages, having been drawn into a “Group of Death” alongside England, Ghana, and Panama.
Official Croatia Squad | World Cup 2026
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Goalkeepers: Dominik Livaković, Dominik Kotarski, Ivor Pandur.
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Defenders: Joško Gvardiol, Duje Ćaleta-Car, Josip Šutalo, Josip Stanišić, Marin Pongračić, Martin Erlić, Luka Vušković.
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Midfielders: Luka Modrić, Mateo Kovačić, Mario Pašalić, Nikola Vlašić, Luka Sučić, Martin Baturina, Kristijan Jakić, Petar Sučić, Nikola Moro, Toni Fruk.
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Forwards: Ivan Perišić, Andrej Kramarić, Ante Budimir, Marco Pašalić, Petar Musa, Igor Matanović.
