Luka Modrić, 40, in Croatia Squad for World Cup Despite Cheekbone Fracture Concern
Croatia's 2026 FIFA World Cup squad has been confirmed, with a surprise inclusion that has sparked both excitement and concern. Luka Modrić, the 40-year-old midfielder, has been selected for the tournament despite suffering a complex multifracture to his cheekbone in recent weeks.
Modrić, who recently joined AC Milan after leaving Real Madrid, has been a stalwart of the Croatian national team for over a decade. He played a key role in the team's runner-up finish at the 2018 World Cup and their third-place finish at the 2022 tournament. Despite his advanced age, Modrić remains one of the most experienced and skilled players in the Croatian squad, and his inclusion has been met with widespread approval from fans and pundits alike.
The 2026 World Cup is shaping up to be one of the most competitive tournaments in recent memory, with a number of top teams vying for the title. Croatia, who have been drawn into a tough group alongside powerhouses like Brazil and Argentina, will be looking to make a deep run in the tournament. Modrić's inclusion will undoubtedly provide a boost to the team's morale and experience, but it also raises questions about his fitness and readiness for the tournament.
"We're confident that Luka will heal up just fine in time for the tournament," said Croatia's medical staff in a statement. "He's a professional athlete, and he knows how to manage his body. We're not worried about his fitness, and we're excited to have him on board." Modrić himself has been tight-lipped about his injury, but his determination to play in the World Cup is clear. "I'm not going to let a little setback like this hold me back," he said in a statement. "I'm going to do everything I can to be ready for the tournament."
Croatia's coach, Ivan Perišić, has also expressed his confidence in Modrić's ability to recover from the injury. "Luka is a fighter, and he's always been one of the first players to step up when it matters most," he said. "We're not going to take any risks with him, but we're confident that he'll be ready for the tournament. He's a key player for us, and we need him to be at his best if we're going to make a deep run."
The 2026 World Cup is set to kick off on June 11, with Croatia facing off against Brazil in their opening match. Modrić's inclusion in the squad has added an extra layer of excitement to the tournament, and fans around the world will be watching with bated breath to see how he performs. Can the 40-year-old midfielder lead Croatia to glory one last time? Only time will tell.
