Kovačić tipped to step up as Croatia’s Modrić successor ahead of 2026
Croatia’s national team has a clear midfield heir apparent: Mateo Kovačić. After the 2-1 loss to Portugal on 2 July 2026, former Dinamo coach Krunoslav Jurčić told Sportske novosti that the Manchester City playmaker is the only natural successor to Luka Modrić in the Vatreni shirt. Jurčić said that on the pitch there is only one natural heir - and that is Kovačić.
Kovačić has worn Dinamo, Inter, Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester City jerseys over the past twelve years. With the national team he has already won two major-tournament medals, and Jurčić believes it is that experience which makes him the perfect man to take on greater responsibility. Mateo is quiet by nature, yet the former coach has no doubt he can become a leader. “He’s a smart guy who has soaked up everything around him during all these years,” Jurčić said.
Why Kovačić can fill Modrić’s shoes
Jurčić pushed back at the frequent claim that Kovačić never fulfilled his enormous potential. The ex-coach dismissed such talk as completely off the mark. “What more was Kovačić supposed to do in his career? Outshine Cristiano Ronaldo and Modrić at Real Madrid or beat Erling Haaland at Manchester City? We have to accept that Luka Modrić is a once-in-a-generation phenomenon,” Jurčić explained.
Kovačić has already proved his worth in the toughest football environments for a dozen years. Now he has the chance to step into the role Modrić wore for so long. Jurčić stressed that Kovačić has every quality to become the new leader of the Vatreni.
Who else can lead the national side
While Kovačić is the main candidate to inherit Modrić’s mantle, Jurčić pointed out that Croatia still has other experienced heads who can take charge. Ivan Perišić, Andrej Kramarić and Dominik Livaković all carry status, experience and authority. “They can all be leaders and huge help, but for me it’s Kovačić who has everything to be Modrić’s successor,” Jurčić said.
What to expect from the Vatreni before 2026
Croatia’s national team has lost its last two games, capped by the 2-1 defeat to Portugal on 2 July 2026. Despite a recent five-match run of three wins and two losses (LLWWW), Jurčić believes Kovačić can be the catalyst for change. The next fixture is away to Czechia on 26 September 2026, a chance for the new generation of leaders to step forward in the national shirt.
