Luka Modrić, Croatia’s iconic captain and one of the most respected midfielders of his generation, could further cement his place in world football history. Thanks to Croatia’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup, secured with a 3-1 victory against the Faroe Islands in the ninth match of the European qualifiers, the prospect of Modrić participating in his fifth World Cup is now more than ever a real possibility. This is an extremely rare feat in international football, reserved for a very select group of players.
At 40 years old at the time of the tournament, Modrić would be one of the oldest players in the competition and could once again demonstrate the exceptional longevity that characterizes his career. Known for his game intelligence, impressive stamina, and unparalleled ability to orchestrate the midfield, the Croatian number 10 continues to be a key pillar of the national team. For coach Zlatko Dalić, Modrić remains a reference point, not only for his talent, but also for his leadership and experience.
Croatia’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup is the continuation of an exemplary run spanning almost a decade. The national team reached the final in 2018, where they won the silver medal, and then the semi-final in 2022, finishing third. These two consecutive podium finishes have confirmed Croatia as one of the most formidable nations in modern football, despite its relatively small population. This success rests largely on the golden generation led by Modrić, a player whose importance far transcends statistics and trophies. When Luka Modrić played in his first World Cup in 2006, he was only 20 years old.
At the time, he was already considered a promising talent, but few could have imagined that he would one day become one of the best midfielders in history. His rise was gradual: after stints at Zagreb and Tottenham, he truly blossomed at Real Madrid, where he won five Champions League titles and a Ballon d’Or in 2018, breaking the dominance of Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. After 2006, Croatia failed to qualify for the 2010 World Cup, but Modrić returned stronger in 2014, then reached his peak in 2018 by leading his country to the final against France. Four years later, he again guided Croatia to the semi-finals, proving his ability to remain at the top of his game at an age when most players retire from international football.
Participating in a fifth World Cup would place Modrić in a very exclusive category alongside legends like Antonio Carbajal, Gianluigi Buffon, Lionel Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo. Very few players have managed to maintain such an elite level for so long. For Croatian fans, he is already the most important player in their history, but this new record would add another chapter to his legend. The 3-1 victory against the Faroe Islands didn’t just secure a place at the 2026 World Cup; it symbolized the continuation of an exceptional cycle that began almost ten years ago. Under the leadership of Zlatko Dalić, Croatia has maintained a remarkable level of competitiveness, alternating between experience and renewal.
New talents are constantly emerging, but Modrić remains the conductor around whom the entire Croatian machine revolves. The AC Milan midfielder still plays a vital role: the ability to dictate the tempo, unparalleled vision, and composure in crucial moments. Even when his physical impact diminishes, his ability to read the game more than compensates. For Dalić, the idea of fielding him in 2026 is not unrealistic, especially since Modrić maintains an impressive physical condition thanks to a strict lifestyle and meticulous preparation.
If Luka Modrić participates in the 2026 World Cup, he will become one of the few players to have competed at the highest international level for twenty years. This feat testifies to his longevity, but also to the evolution of modern football, which allows some exceptionally dedicated athletes to extend their careers. A fifth appearance would also be an immense legacy for all young Croatian footballers, showing that with discipline and passion, anything is possible.
Beyond the statistics, Modrić embodies a style of play that will be remembered for years to come. His ball control, subtle technique, peripheral vision, and ability to evade pressure are just some of the qualities that make him a master of the midfield. Unlike other great players, his career is not based on power or speed, but on pure footballing intelligence. For world football, seeing Modrić on the pitches of the 2026 World Cup would be a rare privilege. And for Croatia, it would be an opportunity to experience a new historic adventure alongside their legendary captain.
