Veteran midfielder Luka Modric has been named in Croatia's squad for the 2026 World Cup, showcasing his resilience as he recovers from a fractured cheekbone. The 40-year-old Inter Milan playmaker sustained the injury during a clash of heads in a match against Juventus at the end of April.

Following surgery, Modric is now training with a facial mask and is expected to be fit for the tournament. Coach Zlatko Dalic expressed confidence in Modric's condition, stating, "He's training with a [facial] mask and doing well. Maybe this break helped him. We'll see his condition, but I don't doubt him. He'll be in good form."

Modric, who won the Ballon d'Or in 2018, has been a pivotal figure in Croatia's previous World Cup campaigns, including their run to the final in 2018 and the semi-final in 2022. This tournament marks his fifth World Cup appearance.

In addition to Modric, Josko Gvardiol, the Manchester City defender, has also been included despite a broken shin. Dalic plans to assess Gvardiol's readiness during warm-up matches, adding, "We hope he'll be ready to play. We expect him to be a major boost for us in the US."

The squad features three English-based players, including Mateo Kovacic, along with Ivor Pandur, Hull City's goalkeeper. Notable inclusions also feature Nikola Vlasic and Ivan Perisic, who play for Torino and PSV Eindhoven, respectively.

Croatia's World Cup journey begins against England on June 17 at the Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas, followed by matches against Panama and Ghana. Dalic emphasized the team's goal:

The main goal is to get through the group. I'm optimistic as always; we have a good national team. We have quality, youth, and experience.