What Happened
Croatia has named Luka Modrić in its final 26-man squad for the World Cup, setting up the 40-year-old midfielder for what is expected to be his fifth and last tournament. The Croatian captain is also slated to face Panama in Group L, alongside England and Ghana, in a matchup that will put Panama on the field against one of the most decorated players of his generation.
Head coach Zlatko Dalić also included Ivan Perišić, a scorer in Croatia’s last three World Cup campaigns, as the team finalized its roster. Modrić fractured his cheekbone last month, but he is expected to be fit for the start of Croatia’s campaign against England on June 17.
Why Modrić Still Matters
Modrić remains one of the defining names in modern international football. He won the Ballon d’Or in 2018 after leading Croatia to the World Cup final that year, and he has been central to the national team since making his debut in 2006. With 196 appearances, he is already Croatia’s most capped player and could reach 200 international matches during the tournament.
For Panama readers, his presence adds extra weight to Croatia’s meeting with the Central American side. A group-stage match against a team built around elite experience and tournament know-how will test Panama’s structure, pace, and discipline. It also gives the national team a high-profile stage against a player whose influence extends well beyond Europe.
Croatia’s Squad and the Road to the Group Stage
Dalić’s squad mixes established names with younger options across every line. In goal, Croatia selected Dominik Livaković, Dominik Kotarski, and Ivor Pandur. The defense includes Joško Gvardiol, Duje Ćaleta-Car, Josip Šutalo, Josip Stanišić, Marin Pongračić, Martin Erlić, and Luka Vušković. Midfield options include Modrić, Mateo Kovačić, Mario Pašalić, Nikola Vlašić, Luka Sučić, Martin Baturina, Kristijan Jakić, Petar Sučić, Nikola Moro, and Toni Fruk. Up front, the squad features Perišić, Andrej Kramarić, Ante Budimir, Marco Pašalić, Petar Musa, and Igor Matanović.
Among the reserve players are Lovro Majer, Franjo Ivanović, Dion Drena Beljo, Ivan Smolčić, Karlo Letica, Adrian Šegečić, and Luka Stojković. Croatia opens against England on June 17 before continuing group play against Panama and Ghana. For Panama, the calendar now features a clear benchmark: a chance to measure itself against a seasoned European side led by a player nearing the end of a historic career.
What This Means for Panama
Matches against teams like Croatia often become reference points for national programs, especially in a World Cup setting where every point can reshape a group. Panama’s approach will likely need to account for Croatia’s midfield control and experience, particularly if Modrić is available and operating at full strength. The matchup also offers Panamanian fans a rare opportunity to see a global icon in a competitive context, not just a ceremonial farewell.
With Croatia’s squad now confirmed, attention turns to how Dalić balances veteran leadership with physical demands across the group stage. For Panama, the task is simpler to state and harder to execute: contain Croatia’s passing rhythm, avoid mistakes in transition, and find ways to turn the game into a contest rather than a showcase.