Luka Modric to continue his Croatia career

Luka Modric’s international career will continue. Croatia’s football federation said the midfielder, who turns 41 on Sept. 9, will be included in the squad for the next Nations League, which begins later this month.

The decision means the 2018 Ballon d’Or winner will have another chance to play for his country after Croatia’s run at the 2026 World Cup ended with a 2-1 defeat by Portugal in the round of 32 on July 2. Modric made his fifth World Cup appearance at the tournament.

The federation said Modric told coach Slaven Bilic and federation president Marijan Kustic that he remained available for selection. Bilic, who will announce his next squad on Monday, said he was "very happy with Luka’s decision because we all know what he represents for Croatia on and off the field."

Modric has made 202 appearances for Croatia since his first call-up on March 1, 2006. He recently extended his contract with AC Milan for one year, through June 2027. His club career reached its peak at Real Madrid, where he played from 2012 to 2025 and won six European Champions League titles.

Croatia will begin its next Nations League campaign away to the Czech Republic in Prague on Sept. 26. Three days later, it will travel to Seville to play Spain.

“

Very happy with Luka’s decision because we all know what he represents for Croatia on and off the field.