Croatia captain Luka Modric has been named in the nation’s provisional World Cup squad, arriving just weeks after undergoing surgery on a cheekbone. The 40-year-old midfield anchor is now eyeing a fifth appearance at the tournament as he targets a return to full fitness.
Head coach Zlatko Dalic has selected a 26-man group, with seven additional players listed as standby. The final Croatia World Cup roster, for a competition co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, is scheduled to be unveiled on June 1, ahead of the tournament beginning on June 11.
Quick facts
- Luka Modric returns to contention after cheekbone surgery.
- Zlatko Dalic named a 26-man provisional squad plus seven standby players.
- Croatia will play in Group L against England, Ghana and Panama.
- Croatia’s opener is set for June 17 versus England in Arlington, Texas.
- The final squad will be announced on June 1.
Modric is expected to be fit in time after the injury he sustained last month, with Croatia hoping he can provide his usual control in the middle of the pitch. The former Ballon d’Or winner from 2018 has amassed 196 international caps, and Dalic’s plans continue to revolve around his leadership and experience.
Speaking to reporters, Dalic said Modric has been training using a facial mask and has been progressing well. “He’s training with a facial mask and doing well. Maybe this break helped him,” Dalic said, adding that while his condition will be assessed, he does not doubt the player’s readiness. “We’ll see his condition, but I don’t doubt him. He’ll be in good form.”
Croatia’s World Cup challenge begins in Group L, where they face England, Ghana and Panama. The draw sets up a stern opening test, with Croatia required to manage a high-profile opponent and then adapt to different styles in their remaining group matches.
Defensive options highlighted
The provisional squad blends established figures with younger talent, with particular strength in defence. Manchester City centre-back Josko Gvardiol and highly regarded teenager Luka Vuskovic are among the key options available at the back.
Gvardiol, 24, returned to training and match work this month after missing time for five months due to a tibial fracture. He will be aiming to build full sharpness before Croatia’s first game against England on June 17 in Arlington, Texas.
Dalic suggested Gvardiol’s return could be significant, saying: “We hope he’ll be ready to play. We expect him to be a major boost for us in the U.S.”
Vuskovic, 19, is viewed as one of Europe’s most exciting defensive prospects and is seen as a window into Croatia’s future. Like Gvardiol, he has also returned from injury this month after dealing with a knee issue.
Dalic, who has been in charge since 2017, has overseen the most successful stretch of Croatia’s modern era. Under his guidance, Croatia reached second place in 2018 and finished third in 2022, results that have helped set expectations for another deep tournament run.
When asked about Croatia’s targets, Dalic emphasized the importance of the group stage. “The main goal is to get through the group. I’m optimistic as always – we have a good national team. We have quality, youth and experience,” he said.
After the England clash, Croatia’s schedule in Group L continues with matches against Ghana and Panama. Dalic indicated the team’s tactical approach will vary across the three games, with the opening matchup demanding a more cautious plan.
“We will certainly be tougher and more defensive against England, playing with more midfielders. England want to be world champions,” Dalic said. He added that the games against Ghana and Panama will look different: “Against Ghana and Panama, it will be different – much more attack-oriented – but neither will be any less challenging.”
World Cup squad lists
Goalkeepers: Dominik Livakovic (Dinamo Zagreb), Dominik Kotarski (Copenhagen), Ivor Pandur (Hull City).
Defenders: Josko Gvardiol (Manchester City), Duje Caleta-Car (Real Sociedad), Josip Sutalo (Ajax Amsterdam), Josip Stanisic (Bayern Munich), Marin Pongracic (Fiorentina), Martin Erlic (Midtjylland), Luka Vuskovic (Hamburg).
Midfielders: Luka Modric (AC Milan), Mateo Kovacic (Manchester City), Mario Pasalic (Atalanta), Nikola Vlasic (Torino), Luka Sucic (Real Sociedad), Martin Baturina (Como), Kristijan Jakic (Augsburg), Petar Sucic (Inter Milan), Nikola Moro (Bologna), Toni Fruk (Rijeka).
Forwards: Ivan Perisic (PSV Eindhoven), Andrej Kramaric (Hoffenheim), Ante Budimir (Osasuna), Marco Pasalic (Orlando City), Petar Musa (Dallas), Igor Matanovic (Freiburg).
Standby: Lovro Majer (Wolfsburg), Franjo Ivanovic (Benfica), Dion Drena Beljo (Dinamo), Ivan Smolcic (Como), Karlo Letica (Lausanne), Adrian Segecic (Portsmouth), Luka Stojkovic (Dinamo).
