Croatia Bets on Injured Modric at 40 as World Cup Squad Gambles Experience Over Fitness

Croatia has named Luka Modric in their World Cup squad despite the 40-year-old midfielder recovering from a fractured cheekbone that required surgery. The Inter Milan playmaker will wear a protective mask when Croatia face England on 17 June at Dallas Stadium in their tournament opener.

Coach Zlatko Dalic confirmed Modric's inclusion in the 26-man squad, acknowledging the risk but backing his captain's experience.

He's training with a [facial] mask and doing well. Maybe this break helped him. We'll see his condition, but I He'll be in good form.

The selection represents a significant gamble for Croatia, who reached the 2018 final and 2022 semi-finals with Modric pulling the strings. Now at 40 and recovering from facial surgery, the midfielder faces his toughest World Cup challenge yet.

The Risk of Banking on a 40-Year-Old Legend

Modric's inclusion highlights Croatia's dependence on their golden generation despite obvious physical concerns. The midfielder suffered his cheekbone fracture in late April during Inter Milan's clash with Juventus, undergoing surgery that typically requires 6-8 weeks of recovery.

At 40, Modric would become one of the oldest outfield players in World Cup history. The physical demands of international football's premier tournament pose unique challenges:

• Matches every 4-5 days in extreme heat and humidity across North America
• Potential for seven matches in 28 days if Croatia reach the final
• Recovery time between matches decreases significantly with age
• Protective masks can limit peripheral vision and breathing efficiency

Croatia's Midfield Depth Tested

The squad selection reveals Croatia's limited midfield options beyond their veteran core. While Mateo Kovacic provides Premier League pedigree from Manchester City, the supporting cast lacks the tournament experience of Modric's generation.

Croatia have included 20 midfielders and forwards in their squad, suggesting Dalic plans to rotate heavily. Young talents like Martin Baturina (Como) and Luka Sucic (Real Sociedad) could see increased responsibility if Modric struggles with fitness.

How Facial Injuries Impact Performance on Football's Biggest Stage

Facial fractures present unique challenges for footballers, particularly in high-stakes tournament football. Medical experts typically recommend 8-12 weeks before full contact sport following cheekbone surgery.

Modric's protective mask will be essential but brings its own complications. Players wearing facial protection often report:

• Reduced peripheral vision affecting spatial awareness
• Breathing difficulties during intense physical exertion
• Psychological hesitation in aerial duels
• Discomfort that increases with match duration

Historical Precedent at Major Tournaments

Previous World Cup campaigns have seen mixed results for players returning from facial injuries. Kylian Mbappé famously played with a mask at Euro 2020 after breaking his nose, struggling to find his usual rhythm. The additional pressure of World Cup football only amplifies these challenges.

For a player whose game relies on vision and precise passing, any limitation could prove costly. Modric averaged 92.3% pass completion in Croatia's 2022 World Cup campaign, a standard that may be difficult to maintain while adjusting to protective equipment.

Croatia's Group Stage Challenge: Can Experience Overcome England's Youth?

Croatia's opening match against England at AT&T Stadium in Arlington presents an immediate test of their ageing squad. The Group L fixture pits Croatian experience against England's explosive young talent.

Dalic has already revealed his tactical approach for the England clash:

We will certainly be tougher and more defensive against England, playing with more midfielders. England want to be world champions.

The Modric Factor in Big Matches

History suggests Croatia shouldn't be underestimated when Modric takes the field. The midfielder has delivered in crucial moments throughout his international career, including 196 caps for his country. His experience could prove invaluable against an England side that has struggled with tournament pressure.

Croatia's subsequent matches against Panama and Ghana may offer more favourable conditions for Modric to find his rhythm. Dalic confirmed these fixtures will see a more attacking approach, potentially allowing the veteran more time on the ball.

Squad Depth Concerns Beyond Modric

The injury concerns extend beyond Modric. Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol is also included despite suffering a broken shin in January. The 24-year-old's fitness will be monitored through warm-up matches, adding another layer of uncertainty to Croatia's defensive stability.

Three Premier League players feature in the squad, with Hull City's Ivor Pandur providing goalkeeping cover alongside Gvardiol and Kovacic. Former Premier League players Nikola Vlasic and Ivan Perisic add further experience to the attacking options.

What Happens Next for Croatia

Croatia's World Cup preparation now centres on managing Modric's recovery while building tactical flexibility for their group stage campaign. The Croatian national team faces warm-up matches where Dalic must balance giving Modric match fitness with protecting him for the tournament proper.

The betting markets will watch closely as Modric's fitness updates emerge. Croatia's odds for progressing from Group L could shift significantly based on their captain's availability and form. For a team that has defied expectations in recent tournaments, the 2026 campaign may hinge on whether sentiment or pragmatism proves the wiser strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Luka Modric play against England in Croatia's first World Cup match?

Coach Zlatko Dalic has included Modric in the squad and expects him to be fit for the England match on 17 June. The 40-year-old is training with a protective mask following cheekbone surgery and Dalic says he doesn't doubt Modric will be in good form for the tournament.

How old is Luka Modric at the 2026 World Cup?

Luka Modric is 40 years old at the 2026 World Cup, making this his fifth tournament appearance. He would become one of the oldest outfield players in World Cup history if he features in matches.

What injury did Modric suffer before the World Cup?

Modric fractured his cheekbone in late April during Inter Milan's match against Juventus. He underwent surgery and is now training with a protective facial mask ahead of the tournament.

Who else is injured in Croatia's World Cup squad?

Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol is also carrying an injury, having broken his shin in January. Coach Dalic plans to give him opportunities in warm-up matches to build fitness before the tournament begins on 11 June.

When do Croatia play at the World Cup?

Croatia's first match is against England on 17 June at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. They also face Panama and Ghana in Group L during the group stage.

What is Croatia's World Cup record with Modric?

Croatia reached the World Cup final in 2018 and the semi-finals in 2022 with Modric as their key player. He won the Ballon d'Or in 2018 after his performances in Russia and has earned 196 caps for his country.