Real Madrid icon Luka Modric responds to question on whether he will play for Croatia at 2026 FIFA World Cup
Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric has revealed that he does not know if he will play for his country at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Croatian midfielder was included in his country's squad for the UEFA Nations League games against Portugal and Poland.
Ex-Tottenham man Modric is viewed as one of the world's best players due to his enduring quality, even as he nears the end of his career. At 38, the midfielder has managed to maintain most of the quality in his game and remains a key player for club and country.
Luka Modric spoke at a press conference ahead of representing his country in the Nations League. He revealed that he cannot guarantee if he will play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, but will give his all in the Nations League.
"2026 World Cup? That's a long way off, we can't plan too much in advance at my age. The initial goal is to do as well as possible in the Nations League, then we'll see the future. I can't confirm anything because it's too far. I don't know how realistic that is at my age."
Luka Modric captained Croatia to win silver at the FIFA World Cup in 2018 and bronze in 2022 in Qatar. The veteran also captained the side to Euro 2024 this summer as they crashed out in surprising fashion at the group stage. Many fans expected Modric to bow out of international football after the disappointment of the Euros, but he has revealed that he will continue.
Modric inspired Croatia to finish second in the last edition of the Nations League, losing to Spain in the final. The Real Madrid man signed a new contract with his club for just one year this summer and has indicated that he intends to retire at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Real Madrid star Luka Modric misses out on 2024 Ballon d'Or shortlist
Real Madrid legend and 2018 Ballon d'Or winner Luka Modric was left out as the 30-man shortlist for the 2024 Ballon d'Or was revealed. The veteran midfielder, along with some of the most successful players of the past decade, were overlooked in the shortlist.
While the likes of Modric, Robert Lewandowski, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo missed out, a good number of first-timers were included. Los Blancos were well represented, with Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr, Kylian Mbappe, Toni Kroos, Antonio Rudiger and Dani Carvajal all shortlisted.
Modric had to take on a reduced role at Real Madrid in the 2023-24 season, making just 23 starts across all competitions. This, coupled with the failure of Croatia to progress from the group stage at Euro 2024, effectively ensured that the midfielder did not make this shortlist.