The Spanish portal AS reports that despite doubts after Euro 2024, the 38-year-old Croatian has decided to stay with the national team. Luka dreams of playing in the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. The veteran midfielder Luka Modrić has confirmed that he will continue to represent Croatia at the international level. This decision comes after speculation that the 2018 Ballon d’Or winner might retire from the national team following a disappointing group stage exit at Euro 2024. However, Modrić has made it clear that he still has the ambition and drive to compete at the highest level.
“I still feel like I have something to give to the national team,” the Real Madrid star said in an interview with AS. “The 2026 World Cup in North America is a huge motivation for me. I want to be a part of that tournament and help Croatia achieve success.” Modrić’s decision to prolong his international career is a major boost for the Croatian national team as they look to bounce back from their early exit at Euro 2024. The midfield maestro has been a pivotal figure for Croatia since making his debut in 2006, leading them to the 2018 World Cup final and helping them win the 2018 UEFA Nations League. At 38 years old, Modrić will be one of the oldest players in the Croatia squad, but his experience and quality make him an invaluable asset. “Luka is still performing at the highest level for Real Madrid, and we believe he can continue to be a key player for us in the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup,” said Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalić.
The 2026 World Cup, which will be the first to feature 48 teams, is shaping up to be a highly anticipated tournament. With the event being co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, it is expected to attract a massive global audience and generate significant interest and excitement. Modrić’s desire to be a part of Croatia’s World Cup campaign in 2026 is a testament to his enduring passion for the game and his commitment to his national team. Despite his advanced age, the midfielder remains one of the most influential players in international football, and his presence in the Croatia squad will be crucial as they look to bounce back from their disappointing Euro 2024 performance.
The decision by Modrić to continue his international career also highlights the remarkable longevity of the player. He has been a consistent performer for both club and country for over a decade, and his ability to maintain his high level of performance into his late 30s is a testament to his professionalism and dedication. As Croatia looks ahead to the 2026 World Cup, the presence of Modrić will be a significant boost for the team. His experience, skill, and leadership will be invaluable as the Croatians look to make a deep run in the tournament and potentially challenge for their first World Cup title since their runners-up finish in 2018. The news of Modrić’s decision to continue playing for Croatia has been met with widespread approval from fans and pundits alike.
Luka Modrić considers himself an important figure for the Croatian national team, and it would be difficult to find a quality replacement for him in the midfield. Zlatko Dalić’s team will play against Portugal on September 5th and against Poland on September 8th. Croatia is looking to build on their strong performance at the 2022 World Cup, where they reached the semifinals before eventually finishing third. Modrić, the team’s captain and talisman, will be crucial to their chances of success in the upcoming UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers.
At 37 years old, Modrić remains one of the best midfielders in the world. His vision, passing ability, and technical skills have made him an integral part of Real Madrid’s success over the past decade, and he will be hoping to lead Croatia to further glory on the international stage. The midfield maestro has amassed over 150 caps for Croatia since making his debut in 2006. He has been a part of the national team’s golden generation, which includes the likes of Ivan Rakitić, Ivan Perišić, and Dejan Lovren, and has played a pivotal role in their most successful periods.
Croatia’s upcoming matches against Portugal and Poland will be crucial in their quest to qualify for Euro 2024. Dalić’s team will be hoping to improve on their performance at the 2022 World Cup, where they were knocked out in the semifinals by eventual champions Argentina. Modrić’s experience and leadership will be vital in guiding the younger players in the Croatian squad. The team has a good mix of youth and experience, and Modrić’s guidance will be crucial in ensuring that the team gels well and performs to their full potential. In addition to his role on the pitch, Modrić is also a respected figure off the field. He is known for his humility, professionalism, and dedication to the national team, and his influence in the dressing room cannot be overstated.
As Croatia prepares for their upcoming matches, the focus will be on Modrić and his ability to inspire the team to victory. With the Euro 2024 qualifiers just around the corner, the pressure will be on the Croatian captain to lead his team to a successful campaign and secure their place in the tournament. Overall, Luka Modrić’s importance to the Croatian national team cannot be overstated. His experience, talent, and leadership make him an irreplaceable figure, and the team will be looking to him to guide them to success in the upcoming matches and beyond.
