World Cup 2026: Experienced midfielder Luka Modric in Croatia squad

Veteran midfielder Luka Modric has been named in Croatia’s World Cup squad and is expected to recover from a broken cheekbone in time for the tournament.

The 40-year-old Inter Milan playmaker suffered the injury after a head clash in their match against Juventus at the end of April.

Modric, who won the Ballon d’Or in 2018, has since undergone surgery but has been named in coach Zlatko Dalic’s 26-man squad.

“He’s been training with a (facial) mask and doing well. Maybe this break has helped him,” Dalik said.

“We will see his condition, but I don’t doubt him. He will be in good form”.

Former Real Madrid and Tottenham player Modric was instrumental in Croatia’s run to the World Cup final in 2018 and the semi-finals in 2022 and will play in his fifth World Cup.

Although Croatia’s squad also included Manchester City defender Josko Guardiol Suffered a broken shin in January.

Dalic said the 24-year-old will be given a chance in warm-up matches to build his form for the tournament, which starts on June 11.

He added: “We hope he will be ready to play. We hope he will be a big boost for us in the United States.”

Guardiola’s City teammate Mateo Kovacic is one of three English-based players in the squad, along with Hull City goalkeeper Ivor Pandur.

Former Everton and West Ham midfielder Nikola Vlasic and ex-Spurs winger Ivan Perisic – now with Torino and PSV Eindhoven respectively – are included.

Croatia are England’s first opponents in Group L before facing Panama and Ghana on June 17 at the Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

“The main goal is to go through the group. I am optimistic as always, we have a good national team. We have quality, youth and experience,” added Dalik.

“We will definitely be tougher and more defensive against England, play with more midfielders. England want to be world champions.

“Against Ghana and Panama, it will be different, much more attacking but no less challenging.”