Croatia captain Luka Modric was named in the country’s provisional World Cup squad on Monday, just weeks after undergoing cheekbone surgery, as the 40-year-old midfield maestro targets a fifth tournament.
Modric is expected to recover in time from the injury he suffered last month, anchoring Croatia’s midfield in what is likely to be his final World Cup appearance. The 2018 Ballon d’Or winner brings a wealth of experience, with 196 international caps, and remains central to Croatia’s ambitions.
«He is training with a face mask and doing well. Maybe this break helped him,» head coach Zlatko Dalic told reporters. «We will look at his condition, but I have no doubts about him. He will be in good shape.»
Other injury concerns
Manchester City’s Josko Gvardiol and highly-rated teenager Luka Vskovic, currently on loan at Hamburger SV from Tottenham Hotspur, are among the top options at centre-back.
The 24-year-old Gvardiol only returned to action this month after a five-month absence with a tibia fracture. He will aim to regain full match sharpness ahead of Croatia’s opener against England on June 17 in Arlington, Texas.
«We hope he is ready to play. We expect him to be a big boost for us in the US,» Dalic said.
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Like Gvardiol, 19-year-old Vuskovic, regarded as one of Europe’s most exciting defensive talents, also returned from injury this month after a knee problem.
Dalic, who has been in charge since 2017, has overseen Croatia’s most successful period, guiding the side to a second-place finish in 2018 and a third-place finish in 2022.
«The main goal is to get through the group. I am optimistic as always: we have a good national team. We have quality, youth and experience,» he said.
The Croatian season starts with a formidable test against England, followed by matches against Ghana and Panama in Group L.
«We will definitely be tougher and more defensive against England and play with more midfielders. England want to become world champions,» Dalic added. “Against Ghana and Panama it will be different – much more attack-oriented – but neither will be less challenging.”
Dalic has put together a provisional squad of 26 men, with seven players on standby.
Croatia’s final selection for the World Cup, which will be jointly organized by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11, will be announced on June 1.
Published on May 19, 2026
