Luka Modric will continue his remarkable career with the Croatia national football team. The Croatian Football Federation officially announced on Saturday that the veteran midfielder will be part of the squad for the upcoming September training camp.
Modric expressed his willingness to keep playing for the national side as long as he remains physically fit, particularly for the upcoming UEFA Nations League campaign. Speculation about a potential retirement emerged after he missed Champions League qualification with AC Milan last season, followed by a disappointing 2026 FIFA World Cup. Croatia was eliminated in the round of 16 by Portugal.
How many caps does Modric have?
Luka Modric currently sits third on the all-time list for most appearances for a national team. He has played 202 international matches for Croatia. Only Argentina's legendary forward Lionel Messi, with 207 caps who recently retired internationally, and Portugal's forward Cristiano Ronaldo, with 233 caps, are ahead of him. Modric is set to turn 41 soon, but his desire to play remains strong. His experience will be vital for the younger generation of players in the squad, with the full list for the September friendlies to be announced on Monday.
What is the future of the national team?
The Croatia national team is entering a new cycle after the World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Manager Zlatko Dalić must now balance a mix of experienced veterans and new talents. The squad will gather for friendly matches during the September international break, providing an opportunity to test new combinations. The goal is clearly set: qualification for UEFA Euro 2028. You can follow the preparation progress and squad lists on our squad page.
What is Croatia's schedule looking like?
Following the September friendlies, the team will face competitive challenges in the Nations League in October. This competition will be a cornerstone for team building before the start of the European Championship qualifiers. The schedule for all upcoming matches can be found on the fixtures page.
The national team is in a renewal phase, and Modric's presence provides stability. His decision to stay is key for morale and knowledge transfer. Croatia's next official engagement is a friendly match in September, with the exact date and opponent to be announced on Monday alongside the complete player list.
