Luka Modrić commits to Croatia national team for Nations League campaign at age 41

International commitment confirmed

The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) announced on 5 September 2026 that team captain Luka Modrić will remain with the national team for the upcoming Nations League campaign. Modrić, who turns 41 years old on 9 September, met with newly reappointed head coach Slaven Bilić and federation president Marijan Kustić to confirm his availability. The announcement resolved persistent speculation that the veteran midfielder would conclude his international career following the 2026 World Cup in North America. Croatia suffered elimination from that tournament in the round of 32 on 2 July after a 2-1 defeat against Portugal. Modrić has earned 202 senior caps since making his international debut on 1 March 2006 in a 3-2 victory against Argentina.

Reunion with Slaven Bilić

Modrić's decision coincides with the return of Slaven Bilić, who began his second tenure as national team manager following the departure of Zlatko Dalić after the World Cup. Bilić previously managed Croatia from 2006 to 2012, overseeing Modrić's early development in international football following the midfielder's debut in March 2006. The coach is scheduled to present his official squad selection on Monday for the autumn international window. Bilić expressed satisfaction regarding the midfielder's commitment to continue playing for the national side.

Luka's decision makes me extremely happy, we are all aware what he brings to Croatia, both on and off the pitch.

The manager also pointed to their upcoming work together, noting the shared ambition between player and coaching staff.

I'm looking forward to working with him again, after 14 years, and we both share a strong ambition to keep Croatia a top, successful team, shoulder to shoulder with the best teams in the world.

Career record and club tenure

Across his 20-year international career, Modrić has recorded 29 goals and 32 assists in his 202 appearances for Croatia. His tournament career includes captaining the team to the 2018 World Cup final against France, where he earned the tournament Golden Ball and later collected the 2018 Ballon d'Or. He was also a central figure during Croatia's run to third place at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, as well as their appearance in the quarter-finals of Euro 2008. At club level, the midfielder played for Real Madrid between 2012 and 2025, securing six Champions League titles during his 13 seasons in Spain. Modrić joined Italian club AC Milan in 2025, where he plays under manager Ruben Amorim, and recently signed a contract extension through June 2027.

Nations League fixture schedule

Croatia will compete in Group A3 of the Nations League with six scheduled matches during the autumn of 2026. The campaign begins with consecutive away fixtures, visiting the Czech Republic in Prague on 26 September and meeting Spain in Seville on 29 September. Croatia then returns home to host England on 3 October before facing Spain for a second time on 6 October. The international schedule concludes with two fixtures in November, including an away match against England at Wembley Stadium on 12 November and a return encounter against the Czech Republic on 15 November. The extended international window arranged by FIFA will encompass four matches between late September and early October.