Luka Modric Named In Croatia Squad For Nations League Campaign

Croatia midfielder Luka Modric has been named in the national squad for the upcoming Nations League campaign, extending the remarkable international career of the 41-year-old veteran.

Modric is set to earn his 203rd international cap when Croatia begins its Group A campaign against the Czech Republic on September 26. He recently committed to another club season with AC Milan, having signed for the Italian side in July.

Only Cristiano Ronaldo, with 233 international appearances for Portugal, has played more games at international level than Modric. Lionel Messi, who announced his retirement from international football with Argentina last week, ended his career with 207 caps.

Croatia coach Slaven Bilic said Modric's selection required little persuasion, pointing to the midfielder's enduring passion for representing his country.

“I did not have to persuade him,” Bilic said. “He is passionate about Croatia and the national team, so this is a win-win situation.”

Croatia face a challenging Group A schedule, with World Cup champions Spain and England also in the group. The 2026-27 Nations League group phase will run from September to November.

Bilic indicated that Modric's workload will be carefully managed and that the veteran is unlikely to feature in every group-stage match. He said Modric would play at a pace that suits both the player and the team, similar to his rhythm at Milan.

Modric recently returned from his fifth World Cup, where he started all four of Croatia's matches and crossed the 200-cap milestone.

The 2018 Ballon d'Or winner played 109 minutes before Croatia's tournament ended controversially with a 2-1 defeat to Portugal in the round of 32 after a disallowed goal.

His continued presence provides Croatia with invaluable experience as the team begins another Nations League campaign.