Modric to remain with Croatia and play in Nations League

Luka Modric has decided that Croatia’s defeat by Portugal at the 2026 World Cup will not be his final appearance for the national team. The midfielder, who turns 41 on Sept. 9, will play in the Nations League this autumn, the Croatian Football Federation announced.

Modric, who joined Milan last season, has told coach Slaven Bilic and federation president Marijan Kustic that he is available for Croatia’s six Group A3 matches from September through November. Croatia will face Spain, England and the Czech Republic.

The decision follows the team’s elimination in the round of 32 in the United States, Canada and Mexico on July 2. After five appearances at the world’s biggest national-team tournament, there had been speculation that the match against Portugal could mark the end of Modric’s international career.

Instead, Croatia’s captain and leading figure will continue. The federation welcomed his decision, saying he was ready to extend “his fascinating international career,” which includes 202 appearances and historic achievements. Bilic also expressed strong satisfaction: “Luka’s decision makes me extremely happy. We are all aware of what he brings to Croatia, both on and off the field. I am looking forward to working with him again after fourteen years.”

Croatia begins its Nations League campaign away to the Czech Republic on Sept. 26, followed by a match against Spain in Seville three days later. It will host England and Spain on Oct. 3 and 6, then complete the group stage away to England at Wembley on Nov. 12 and at home against the Czech Republic three days later.

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Luka’s decision makes me extremely happy. We are all aware of what he brings to Croatia, both on and off the field. I am looking forward to working with him again after fourteen years. We both share a strong ambition to keep Croatia an elite and successful team, side by side with the best teams in the world.