ZAGREB, Croatia — Luka Modric has been named to Croatia‘s squad, preparing to compete in his fifth World Cup after making a recovery from an injury sustained on April 26, which cut short his season with AC Milan.
Croatian coach Zlatko Dalic has announced a roster of 26 players, which includes Ivan Perisic, known for scoring in the last three tournaments.
Modric sustained a cheekbone fracture last month, but is expected to return to full fitness in time for Croatia’s World Cup opener against England on June 17. They will also face Panama and Ghana in Group L.
The 40-year-old Modric won the Ballon d’Or in 2018, breaking the decade-long hold of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. He made his international debut in 2006 and stands as Croatia’s most capped player with 196 appearances. If Croatia progresses past the group stage, he could reach the milestone of 200 caps at the World Cup.
Dalic has selected a squad rich in experience, which includes goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic, defender Josko Gvardiol, along with midfielders Mateo Kovacic and Mario Pasalic, in addition to Andrej Kramaric.
Croatia was a finalist at the 2018 World Cup, losing to France, and secured a third-place finish in the 2022 tournament after being defeated by eventual champions Argentina in the semifinals.
In addition to the main roster of 26 players, Dalic has also named seven standby players.
Full Croatia Squad:
Goalkeepers: Dominik Livakovic, Dominik Kotarski, Ivor Pandur.
Defenders: Josko Gvardiol, Duje Caleta-Car, Josip Sutalo, Josip Stanisic, Marin Pongracic, Martin Erlic, Luka Vuskovic.
Midfielders: Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic, Mario Pasalic, Nikola Vlasic, Luka Sucic, Martin Baturina, Kristijan Jakic, Petar Sucic, Nikola Moro, Toni Fruk.
Forwards: Ivan Perisic, Andrej Kramaric, Ante Budimir, Marco Pasalic, Petar Musa, Igor Matanovic.
Stand-by players: Lovro Majer, Franjo Ivanovic, Dion Drena Beljo, Ivan Smolcic, Karlo Letica, Adrian Segecic, Luka Stojkovic.