Luka Modric to Play for Croatia in UEFA Nations League 2026 Amid Retirement Speculation

Luka Modric has confirmed he will continue playing for the Croatia national team through the 2026–27 UEFA Nations League campaign, ending widespread speculation that he would retire from international football following the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 40-Year-Old Luka Modric Seals AC Milan Contract Extension Until 2027.

Luka Modric To Continue Playing For Croatia

#Croatia captain @lukamodric10 will be included in the upcoming national team squad for #NationdLeague encounters with Czechia, Spain, and England! ! 🇭🇷©️🙌

🟥⬜️ Modrić has confirmed to head coach Slaven Bilić and HNS president Marijan Kustić his availability for the Nations… pic.twitter.com/c9zL029tRe

— HNS (@HNS_CFF) September 5, 2026

The 40-year-old midfielder, who celebrates his 41st birthday next week, communicated his decision directly to newly appointed head coach Slaven Bilić and Croatian Football Federation (HNS) president Marijan Kustić. The announcement puts an end to weeks of uncertainty following Croatia's round-of-16 exit at the World Cup in North America.

Bilic, who began his second tenure in charge of the senior national side in July after Zlatko Dalic stepped down, welcomed the veteran captain's decision. The two previously worked together during Bilic’s first managerial spell between 2006 and 2012, an era that oversaw Modrić’s emergence as a world-class midfielder.

Reunion With Slaven Bilic

Addressing the captain's availability, Bilic noted that Modric’s value extends far beyond his contributions with the ball. The manager had made speaking with his long-time talisman his top priority upon taking the job, while insisting that any choice regarding international retirement remained entirely up to the player.

Modric's decision ensures leadership continuity for a transitional Croatian squad preparing for demanding Nations League League A fixtures, which include an opening clash away to the Czech Republic later this month. Indian-Origin Maximiliano Araujo Selected in Uruguay Squad For International Friendly Against India.

Enduring Club and Country Form

The midfielder's international commitment aligns with his sustained presence in top-tier European football. Modrić recently agreed a one-year contract extension with Serie A side AC Milan for the 2026–27 campaign, where he remains an active starter.

With 202 caps and 29 goals to his name, Modric stands as Croatia’s record appearance holder and joint-third on the all-time international appearances list. His continued involvement signals that his historic two-decade international career has at least one chapter left to run

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 05, 2026 06:17 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).