Luka Modric has confirmed his availability to continue playing for Croatia's national team, ending speculation about his international retirement following the 2026 World Cup.
The Croatian Football Federation announced Saturday that Modric, who turns 41 on September 9, will be included in the squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches. Croatia will compete in group A3 against Spain, England, and the Czech Republic.
Slaven Bilic, who returned to manage Croatia after the team's elimination in the round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup, said the decision pleased him. "Luka's decision makes me very happy. We all know what he brings to Croatia, both on and off the pitch," Bilic said.
Modric, who has spent most of his career at Real Madrid before joining AC Milan last year, has represented Croatia since 2006. He has earned 202 caps for the national team and led Croatia to the 2018 World Cup final. The midfielder will serve as captain in the Nations League campaign.
The Croatian Football Federation stated in an official announcement that Modric "is ready to continue his fascinating international career, with 202 matches and historic achievements." The federation confirmed that Modric and Bilic held discussions and agreed that the veteran midfielder would remain available for the national team in the new competitive cycle.
Modric's decision to continue playing for Croatia extends his tenure with the national team beyond the World Cup, where he appeared in the tournament at age 40.