Croatia coach Zlatko Dalić on Monday announced a 26-man preliminary squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026, led by veteran Luka Modrić, the key architect of the country’s historic success in recent years.
The AC Milan midfielder, 40, led the nation of 3.8 million people to second place at the 2018 World Cup.
The former Real Madrid star was also key in helping Croatia finish third at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The Balkan country lost to Spain in the 2023 Nations League final.
But Modrić fractured a cheekbone in a collision with Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli at the San Siro in late April and had an operation.
The former Ballon d’Or winner was expected to be out of action for six to eight weeks but should be free to play in the upcoming World Cup, a source told AFP at the time.
“He’s training with a mask, and he’s going well. “Maybe this break did him good,” Dalic told reporters in Zagreb.
We will see his condition, but I have no doubt about him; he will be in good form.”
Manchester City’s Josko Gvardiol’s January leg fracture, which kept him out for months, also weakened Croatia’s defence.
“We hope he will be ready to play,” Dalic said, adding that the 24-year-old will get opportunities in the warm-up matches to get his form up for the tournament that starts on June 11.
“He’s going to be a real asset for us in the US.”
The most successful coach in Croatia’s history took charge in 2017 and said his expectations for the tournament were to “get out of a tough group.”.
“We have quality, youth and experience… so I am optimistic.”
Croatia kick off their Group L campaign against England on June 17. They face Panama and Ghana later.
As part of their preparations for the championships, they will play two friendlies at home against Belgium and Slovenia, respectively.
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