“`html
Luka Modric, the veteran midfielder, is poised to take the field once again for Croatia as they prepare to compete in the 2026 World Cup. At 40 years old, Modric is expected to captain the national team in what will mark his fifth appearance at soccer’s most prestigious tournament.
Having been a key figure under coach Zlatko Dalic for many years, Modric’s leadership has been instrumental to Croatia’s recent successes. The midfielder played a pivotal role in guiding the team to a runner-up finish in 2018 and a third-place result in 2022, cementing his status as one of the country’s greatest players.
A Storied World Cup Career and Milestone Approaching
Modric’s journey through World Cup history spans nearly two decades, having represented Croatia in the 2006, 2014, 2018, and 2022 tournaments. The only World Cup he missed was in 2010, when Croatia failed to qualify. As the 2026 competition unfolds across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Modric is anticipated to reach a remarkable milestone of 200 international caps during the event.
This achievement would place him among an exclusive group of players who have appeared in five World Cups, a list that includes Mexican legends Antonio Carbajal, Rafa Marquez, Andres Guardado, and German great Lothar Matthaus. Meanwhile, other football icons such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Guillermo Ochoa, and Yuto Nagatomo are also in position to extend their World Cup appearances to six in 2026.
As Croatia finalizes its squad for the upcoming tournament, all eyes will be on Modric to once again lead the team on the grandest international stage, potentially closing out a storied World Cup career with a historic appearance.
“`