Will Luka Modric Play Croatia vs Spain UEFA Nations League 2026-27 Match?
Luka Modrić, 41, is set to make his final international appearance for Croatia today, October 6, 2026, as they clash with Spain in the UEFA Nations League 2026-27. The pivotal League A, Group A3 match kicks off at 20:45 CEST at Stadion Poljud in Split, Croatia.
The football world turns its gaze to Split today, Tuesday, October 6, 2026, as Croatian legend Luka Modrić is set to play his swansong for the national team. The 41-year-old midfielder will captain Croatia against arch-rivals Spain in a pivotal UEFA Nations League 2026-27 League A, Group A3 fixture, marking an emotional end to an illustrious international career spanning two decades. Will Lionel Messi Play in Argentina vs Benin International Friendly 2026 Match?
Reports surfaced in July 2026 indicating Modrić's decision to retire from international duty following the 2026 FIFA World Cup and this Nations League match, a choice reportedly influenced by a desire to focus solely on his club career.
Match Details - Croatia vs Spain
The crucial Group A3 encounter kicks off at 20:45 CEST (local time in Split). For fans across the globe, this translates to 2:45 PM ET and 11:45 AM PT in the United States.
Fixture: Croatia vs Spain
Competition: UEFA Nations League 2026-27, League A, Group A3
Date: Tuesday, October 6, 2026
Kick-off Times:
- 20:45 CEST (Split, Croatia)
- 18:45 UTC
- 2:45 PM ET (USA)
- 11:45 AM PT (USA)
- 19:45 BST (UK)
Venue: Stadion Poljud, Split, Croatia
Form and Head-to-Head
Spain arrives in Split with superior recent form, having secured three consecutive wins in the current Nations League campaign. They defeated England 3-2 on September 26, then comprehensively beat Croatia 4-1 on September 29, before overcoming Czechia 3-1 on October 3.
Croatia, meanwhile, has endured a challenging start to their Nations League campaign. They recorded a 2-1 victory over Czechia on September 26, but then suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat to Spain on September 29 and a devastating 0-7 loss to England on October 3. Will Harry Kane Play England vs Czechia UEFA Nations League 2026-27 Match?
The historical head-to-head record also favours La Roja. In 9 previous meetings since 2006, Spain has secured six victories, while Croatia has managed two wins, with one match ending in a draw. Their last encounter saw Spain dominate with a 4-1 victory.
Recent Head-to-Head (Last 5 Matches):
| Date | Competition | Match | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 29, 2026 | UEFA Nations League | Spain vs Croatia | 4-1 (Spain) |
| Jun 15, 2024 | UEFA EURO | Spain vs Croatia | 3-0 (Spain) |
| Jun 18, 2023 | UEFA Nations League | Croatia vs Spain | 0-0 (Spain won on pens) |
| Jun 28, 2021 | UEFA EURO | Croatia vs Spain | 3-5 AET (Spain) |
| Nov 15, 2018 | UEFA Nations League | Croatia vs Spain | 3-2 (Croatia) |
Luka Modrić's departure marks the end of an extraordinary era for Croatian football. His leadership, vision, and unparalleled talent have inspired a generation, and his final bow against Spain promises to be a poignant moment, regardless of the match's outcome.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 06, 2026 03:54 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
