History of Croatia

Croatia entered another World Cup, and the main character of the historic moment was still the familiar name Luka Modri ​​c .

At the age of 40, he becomes a “pentamundialista”, joining the group of legends who have participated in 5 World Cups when the tournament officially starts next summer, such as Lothar Matthaus, Gigi Buffon (Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi will participate for the 6th time) .

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Croatia celebrates World Cup ticket. Photo: FIFA

But Modri ​​c 's story is about more than just numbers. It is about his resilience, his leadership qualities and the footballing legacy he leaves behind for a new generation of Croatians.

A 3-1 comeback win over the Faroe Islands in the qualifying round officially sent Croatia to the 2026 World Cup . A match in which the checkered team experienced many emotions .

They fell behind after a defensive error, equalised through a fine strike from Gvardiol, then turned things around through Musa and Vla s i c .

Not a perfect match, but a victory that reflects Croatia's character , when Modric and his teammates did not panic, knew how to adjust, and knew how to overcome at the right time.

On the field, Modric is no longer as fast as he was in his prime , but he always moves appropriately to build play and create a stable rhythm .

He appears in the hot spots, keeps the rhythm for the midfield, solves difficult situations with each experienced touch . All of this creates an intangible value that no statistics can fully describe.

For coach Zlatko Dalic, Modric is always essential in a team that is transitioning . Gvardiol, Musa, Sucic, Marco Pa s ali c still look to him as an anchor of emotions and beliefs.

Modric icon

Croatia's new generation is not lacking in talent, but they still need a mental leader – someone who can help them control their mentality in high-pressure battles .

Modric does not lead with sprints, but with the intellectual depth of a legend who has almost reached the end of his career but still maintains great motivation.

“Lukita” did not accept to go to the World Cup just to reach the milestone of 5 times participating in the tournament. He went there to continue to compete, to continue to raise the level of the team nicknamed “ Vatreni ” .

In the past, there were difficult times for Croatia but Modric never abandoned the team. “I am always ready when the team needs me,” he once said when many people questioned the possibility of retiring from international football.

Therefore, Modri 's symbolic value is not only for Croatia, but for world football.

A player who grew up in the midst of war, matured late, peaked at 32 with the 2018 Golden Ball, now stands on the field at the age of 40 as proof that passion and will can defy time.

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Modric is the golden symbol of Croatia. Photo: FIFA

Modern football is all about speed, power and youth, but Modri's journey reminds us that intelligence, adaptability and leadership are just as important.

These values ​​are also conveyed by him at Milan, a team in the process of rebuilding with Max Allegri.

Croatia are entering the 2026 World Cup with a rare blend of energetic youth and a super leader with 192 caps under his belt.

They reached the 2018 World Cup finals, then the semi-finals four years later, and now they are testing their limits again. Croatia is no longer a “ dark horse ” but has become an elite team .

In that journey, Modrić is like an old tree standing in the middle of a growing forest , not blocking the light of the new generation, but creating shade for them to grow up properly.

The 2026 World Cup could be Modric 's last dance in Croatia's colours. With what he has done and will continue to do, he has transcended the limits of a player to become a symbol of an era.

Of course, before doing the dances in North America, Modric wants to help Milan complete the top 4 Serie A goal, or even higher.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/croatia-du-world-cup-2026-bieu-tuong-vang-luka-modric-2462985.html