Modrić leads Croatia squad for 2026 World Cup

Croatia coach Zlatko Dalić announced a preliminary 33-player squad on Monday ahead of the tournament.

The 40-year-old AC Milan midfielder remains central to Croatia’s historic achievements in recent years.

Croatia’s World Cup success

Modrić guided Croatia to second place at the 2018 World Cup and played a key role in securing third place at the 2022 tournament in Qatar.

The former Real Madrid CF star continues to lead a talented Croatian side as they head into the 2026 finals.

Key players in the squad

The squad includes defenders Joško Gvardiol (Manchester City FC) and Josip Stanišić (FC Bayern Munich).

Midfield options include Mateo Kovačić, while the attack includes Ivan Perišić, Andrej Kramarić and Ante Budimir.