Croatia Announces World Cup Roster, Luka Modric Earns Spot In Fifth Tournament
3 minute readPublished: Monday, May 18, 2026 at 2:58 pm
Croatia Gears Up for World Cup with Veteran Squad
Zagreb, Croatia – Croatia has announced its 26-man roster for the upcoming World Cup, headlined by veteran midfielder Luka Modric, who is set to compete in his fifth World Cup tournament. The announcement, made on Monday, confirms Modric's place in the squad despite a recent cheekbone injury. Coach Zlatko Dalic has expressed confidence in Modric's fitness ahead of Croatia's opening match against England on June 17th.
The squad also features experienced players like Ivan Perisic, who has a history of scoring in previous World Cup tournaments. Croatia is placed in Group L and will also face Panama and Ghana.
Modric, the 2018 Ballon d'Or winner, has been a cornerstone of the Croatian national team since his international debut in 2006. He holds the record for the most international appearances for Croatia, with 196 caps, and could reach the 200-cap milestone during the tournament.
The team boasts a blend of seasoned players and emerging talent. Key players include goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic, defender Josko Gvardiol, and midfielders Mateo Kovacic and Mario Pasalic. Croatia's recent World Cup history includes a runner-up finish in 2018 and a third-place finish in 2022, indicating the team's potential for success.
In addition to the main squad, Dalic has also named seven stand-by players.
BNN's Perspective: Croatia's squad selection reflects a strategic balance between experience and emerging talent. While the inclusion of veterans like Modric is crucial for leadership and experience, the integration of younger players will be key to the team's long-term success. The team's recent performance history suggests they are a strong contender.
Keywords: Croatia, World Cup, Luka Modric, Ivan Perisic, Zlatko Dalic, Dominik Livakovic, Josko Gvardiol, Mateo Kovacic, Mario Pasalic, Soccer, Football, Sports, Team Roster, Group L, Ballon d'Or.