With Croatia’s elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, attention has quickly turned to the future of captain Luka Modrić. The legendary midfielder has been the face of Croatian football for nearly two decades, and many fans are wondering whether the tournament marked his final appearance for the national team.
As of now, Luka Modrić has not officially announced his retirement from the Croatia national team.
Has Luka Modrić confirmed his retirement?
No. Despite widespread speculation following Croatia’s Round of 32 exit, Modrić has not confirmed that he is stepping away from international football.
The 40-year-old midfielder has yet to make a public statement regarding his future with Croatia, leaving open the possibility that he could continue representing his country beyond the World Cup.
Why are retirement rumors growing?
The speculation stems from Croatia’s 2-1 defeat to Portugal in the Round of 32, which officially ended the nation’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.
Following the match, Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalić acknowledged that the tournament could represent the end of Modrić’s World Cup career. While stopping short of confirming retirement, Dalić praised his captain’s remarkable contributions to Croatian football and expressed confidence in the team’s next generation.
Given Modrić’s age and decorated international career, many believe the World Cup was likely his final appearance on football’s biggest stage.
Luka Modrić’s legendary Croatia career
Few players have left a greater mark on Croatian football than Luka Modrić.
Among his achievements are:
- FIFA World Cup runner-up in 2018
- Third-place finish at the 2022 FIFA World Cup
- 2018 FIFA World Cup Golden Ball winner
- Croatia’s all-time appearance leader
- Multiple UEFA European Championship appearances
- One of the most decorated midfielders in football history
Throughout his international career, Modrić has become synonymous with Croatia’s rise as a global football power.
Could Modrić continue playing for Croatia?
Yes. Although his World Cup journey has ended, Modrić has not ruled out continuing with the national team.
He could still feature in:
- UEFA Nations League matches
- UEFA Euro 2028 qualifying matches
- International friendlies
Whether he chooses to continue will likely depend on his physical condition, club commitments, and personal decision after reflecting on Croatia’s World Cup exit.
What comes next?
For now, Luka Modrić’s international future remains undecided.
Croatia’s elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup undoubtedly closes another memorable chapter in his illustrious career, but fans will have to wait for an official announcement before knowing whether one of the country’s greatest-ever players has played his final match in the famous checkered jersey.
Until then, Modrić’s World Cup career has come to an end—but his international career has not yet officially concluded.