Luka Modric Joins Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi in Elite FIFA World Cup Club List
Croatian maestro Luka Modric has etched his name into FIFA World Cup history, joining an exclusive club of only four players to have featured in five tournaments and captained their nation in at least three. This sensational feat was achieved during Croatia's dominant 2-0 victory over Panama at MetLife Stadium in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group Stage on.
Luka Modric has once again demonstrated his unparalleled longevity and leadership on the grandest stage of international football. The veteran midfielder officially joined an elite and exclusive club of just four players in FIFA World Cup history, a list that includes iconic figures Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Modric achieved this sensational feat during Croatia's commanding 2-0 triumph over Panama in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group Stage encounter at MetLife Stadium on Wednesday, June 24, 2026. What Are Cristiano Ronaldo-Led Portugal’s FIFA World Cup 2026 Knockouts Qualification Scenario After Congo DR’s Win Over Colombia?.
The 40-year-old Croatian captain's appearance in the match marked his fifth FIFA World Cup, coupled with his leadership role in at least three separate tournaments. This unique combination of sustained participation and captaincy places him alongside footballing legends Lothar Matthäus, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Lionel Messi, highlighting an extraordinary dedication to their national teams over two decades. Interesting, Modric also entered the 20 internationals cap club list, which includes Ronaldo, Messi and Kuwait's Bader Al-Mutawa, becoming just the fourth to cross the milestone.
A Record of Unmatched Longevity and Leadership
The specific record Modric now shares is becoming one of only four players to have featured in five FIFA World Cup tournaments and captained their nation in at least three of those editions. Germany's Lothar Matthäus, a World Cup winner in 1990, set the precedent by competing in five World Cups (1982, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998) and captaining his side in at least three (1990, 1994, 1998).
Joining Matthäus, Modric now stands shoulder-to-shoulder with two other active footballing titans. Cristiano Ronaldo, at 41 years old (born February 5, 1985), is featuring in his record sixth World Cup and has captained Portugal in five tournaments (2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, 2026). Lionel Messi, celebrating his 39th birthday today (born June 24, 1987), is also making his sixth World Cup appearance and has captained Argentina in at least four (2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, and likely 2026). Modric, born September 9, 1985, now at 40 years, 9 months, and 15 days old, made his fifth World Cup appearance (2006, 2014, 2018, 2022, 2026) and has led Croatia as captain in 2018, 2022, and now 2026. Happy Birthday Lionel Messi: Celebrating Argentina Legend's Football Career As World Cup-Winner Turns 39.
Match Details: Croatia Dominates Panama
The Group F clash between Croatia and Panama kicked off at 7:00 PM ET (UTC-4) at the iconic MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Croatia asserted their dominance with a comfortable 2-0 victory, bolstering their position in the group stage. While the scoreline reflects a solid performance, all eyes were on Modric as he stepped onto the pitch, marking another historic moment in a career defined by excellence.
This historic milestone further solidifies Modric's legendary status in international football, placing him among the sport's all-time greats who have consistently performed at the pinnacle of the game for over two decades.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 24, 2026 06:19 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
