Croatia names 34-man squad for 2026 World Cup, Modric leads veteran core
Croatia stunned football circles Wednesday by naming a 34-man preliminary squad for the 2026 World Cup featuring 38-year-old midfield maestro Luka Modric. The inclusion marks Modric’s unprecedented fourth World Cup cycle and sets the stage for a potential farewell in the United States.
In a bold statement of intent, Croatia’s football federation unveiled a 34-man preliminary squad for next year’s World Cup on Wednesday, with captain Luka Modric front and center at age 38. The squad, announced at a press conference in Zagreb, includes 12 players aged 30 or older, signaling Croatia’s reliance on experience amid a generational transition.
Modric, the reigning Ballon d’Or winner in 2023, will lead a midfield that blends seasoned campaigners with rising talents. The squad features 11 players from domestic clubs, a reflection of the federation’s push to revitalize the national team’s domestic base while maintaining global competitiveness.
Key Points
- ✅ Luka Modric, 38, named in Croatia’s 34-man preliminary squad for 2026 World Cup
- ⚡ Squad includes 12 players aged 30+, emphasizing Croatia’s veteran core
- 💡 11 players from domestic clubs included, a strategic pivot to local development
The federation’s president, Marijan Kustic, confirmed that the squad will be trimmed to 26 players before the tournament, with a final decision expected by May 2026. “We are building a team that honors the past while preparing for the future,” Kustic said. “Modric’s leadership is irreplaceable, but we must also give opportunities to the next generation.”
| Position | Veteran Starters | Emerging Talents |
|---|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Dominik Livaković (32) | Ivo Grbić (27) |
| Defender | Dejan Lovren (36) | Josip Stanišić (24) |
| Midfielder | Luka Modric (38), Marcelo Brozović (34) | Martin Baturina (20) |
| Forward | Ivan Perišić (35) | Marin Ljubičić (21) |
Croatia’s campaign will kick off on June 12, 2026, in Los Angeles against Brazil, a rematch of the 2022 quarterfinal clash. The team’s preparation includes a high-altitude training camp in Mexico City and a series of friendlies against European opponents in early 2026.
📋 By The Numbers
- 4 — World Cup cycles Modric will have played in, if he features in 2026
- 12 — Number of domestic league players in the squad, the highest since 2014
- 3 — Players aged 21 or younger, including Baturina and Ljubičić
Analysts suggest Croatia’s strategy is a calculated risk, relying on Modric’s vision and leadership to navigate a group featuring France, Argentina, and either the Netherlands or Portugal. “They’re banking on Modric’s ability to elevate the team’s performance,” said football analyst Ana Vuković. “But the squad’s depth will be tested in the knockout stages.”
💡 Pro Tip
Croatia’s reliance on Modric underscores the importance of veteran mentorship in modern football. Teams with aging stars must balance experience with tactical evolution to avoid becoming one-dimensional.
The squad’s announcement comes amid scrutiny over Croatia’s recent performances, including a disappointing Euro 2024 exit in the Round of 16. Federation officials acknowledged the pressure but emphasized the long-term vision. “We’re not just preparing for 2026,” Kustic said. “We’re laying the foundation for the next decade.”
- 📊 Croatia’s squad reflects a 50-50 split between players based abroad and domestically
- 🔍 Modric’s inclusion is partly symbolic, aiming to inspire younger teammates
- ⚠️ The absence of younger midfielders like Dominik Kotarski (23) has raised questions about Croatia’s midfield pipeline
The federation has scheduled a series of training sessions in Split and Rijeka before the squad reconvenes in March 2026 for further assessments. With Modric’s future uncertain beyond 2026, Croatia faces a delicate balance between legacy and renewal.
- June 2024 — Squad announcement and initial training camps
- March 2026 — Final squad selection and intensified preparation
- June 12, 2026 — World Cup opener against Brazil in Los Angeles