Luka Modrić Nears Historic 200th Cap for Croatia

Luka Modrić is set to earn his 200th international cap for Croatia at the 2026 World Cup. The 40-year-old midfielder will reach this milestone in his fifth World Cup appearance.

Luka Modrić has 198 international appearances and is expected to reach 199 in the Group L match against England.

He has led Croatia to a runner-up finish in 2018 and a third-place finish in 2022.

Croatia coach Zlatko Dalić praises Luka Modrić as his "right hand" on the pitch, highlighting his importance to the team.

Modrić's leadership is a major reason Croatia remains a dangerous team in the tournament.

Croatia's Group L schedule gives Modrić a chance to reach the 200-cap mark before the end of group play, with matches against England, Panama, and Ghana.

Modrić made his World Cup debut in 2006 and has been playing in his fifth World Cup, a testament to his longevity.

The 2026 tournament is widely expected to be Modrić's final World Cup, and he is working back from cheekbone surgery.

Despite the injury concern, Modrić was included in Croatia's preliminary squad in May and remained part of the final 26-man group.

Croatia's opener against England also carried history beyond Modrić's personal milestone, as the two teams met in the 2018 World Cup semifinals.

Luka Modrić won the Ballon d'Or in 2018 after leading Croatia to the World Cup final in Russia.

He has been the defining player of Croatia's golden generation, and his presence gives the team continuity and star power.