Luka Modrić Reaches 200 International Caps for Croatia at 2026 World Cup
Croatian captain Luka Modrić made his 200th appearance for the national team during a 2026 World Cup group stage match against Panama at BMO Field in Toronto. The 40-year-old midfielder joins an elite group of male footballers with 200+ caps, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Bader Al-Mutawa. Modrić, who led Croatia to World Cup silver and bronze, played 81 minutes and received a standing ovation.
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40-year-old Modric to Retire from Croatian National Team, Says Journalist
According to Croatian sports reporter Robert Matteoni, who assisted Luka Modric in writing his autobiography, the 38-year-old (as reported age varies, but 40 in title) captain is expected to end his 20-year international career after this World Cup. Modric, one of Croatia's greatest players, has made over 200 appearances, led the team to the 2018 World Cup final and won the Golden Ball, and guided them to third place at the 2022 World Cup. Croatia was eliminated by Portugal in the round of 32 in this tournament. The departure marks a symbolic milestone in Croatia's generational renewal.
虎扑 - 足球Luka Modric's Last World Cup Dance Ends as Croatia Falls to Portugal
Luka Modric, the 40-year-old Croatian midfield legend and 2018 Ballon d'Or winner, likely played his final World Cup match as Croatia was eliminated by Portugal 2-1 in the round of 16. Despite a typically elegant performance, Modric was unable to lead his team past Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal. After the match, Modric declined to comment on his international future, saying 'now is not the time' but promising an announcement soon. Teammates praised him as Croatia's greatest-ever player and leader. Modric's career includes 202 caps, 29 goals, a World Cup final appearance in 2018, and a third-place finish in 2022.
Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continuModric Plays 39th Major Tournament Match, Second Most Among European Outfield Players Behind Ronaldo
In the World Cup Round of 16 match on July 3, Croatia was defeated 1-2 by Portugal. According to data website statistics, this match marked Luka Modric's 39th appearance in major tournaments (World Cup and European Championship) in his career. Among non-goalkeeper players in Europe, only Cristiano Ronaldo (56 matches) has more major tournament appearances than Modric. The article also includes reader comments speculating about Modric's potential retirement and noting his status as a former Real Madrid double Ballon d'Or winner.
虎扑 - 足球40-year-old Modric's final World Cup ends in defeat as Croatia loses to Portugal
In the World Cup Round of 16 match on July 3rd, Croatia lost 1-2 to Portugal, ending the national team World Cup career of 40-year-old veteran Luka Modric. Modric made 23 World Cup appearances from 2006 to 2026, scoring 2 goals and providing 2 assists. His best achievement was leading Croatia to the runner-up finish at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. The match marked the final dance for the legendary midfielder, who received widespread respect for his contributions.
虎扑 - 足球Modric Records First World Cup Assist in Eight Years in Croatia's Win Over Ghana
In the final round of the World Cup group stage, Croatia defeated Ghana 2-1, with veteran midfielder Luka Modric providing an assist. The 40-year-old Modric, now aged 40 years and 291 days, recorded his first World Cup assist in eight years. His previous assist in the tournament came during the 2018 World Cup match against Russia. The milestone highlights Modric's continued longevity and impact for the Croatian national team.
虎扑 - 足球Record-Breaking Luka Modric Leads Croatia Past Ghana into World Cup Round of 16
Luka Modric, at 40 years old, delivered a decisive assist as Croatia defeated Ghana 2-1 to advance to the round of 16 as second in Group L. Modric's corner kick was headed in by Vlasic for the winning goal, making Modric the oldest assistant in World Cup history. He also surpassed Diego Maradona in World Cup appearances, reaching 22 games and ranking sixth all-time behind Leo Messi (28), Lothar Matthäus (25), Cristiano Ronaldo (25), Miroslav Klose (24), and Paolo Maldini (23). Modric, a former Real Madrid player now at AC Milan, reached 200 international caps in the previous match. The result sets up a potential Croatia-Spain match in the round of 16 if both teams win their previous rounds.
FútbolModric Proud to Reach 200 Matches for Croatia After World Cup Win
In a World Cup group stage match on June 25, Croatia defeated Panama 1-0. During this match, veteran midfielder Luka Modric made his 200th appearance for the Croatian national team. After the game, Modric expressed his pride on Instagram, stating he was deeply honored to play 200 matches wearing his beloved jersey and emphasized the importance of the victory. He called on the team to move forward together toward new triumphs. The report was published by Hupu Football News, citing Modric's Instagram post.
虎扑 - 足球Modric Marks 200th National Team Appearance with Social Media Tribute
On June 25, Hupu reported that during yesterday's World Cup group stage match, Croatia defeated Panama 1-0, a victory that also marked Luka Modric's 200th appearance for the Croatian national team. His teammates celebrated this historic milestone, and today Modric shared a commemorative photo album on his social media (Instagram). In his post, Modric expressed pride in playing 200 matches wearing his favorite jersey and happiness in securing a crucial victory, adding a call to continue working together toward new victories. The article includes multiple images from the commemorative album.
虎扑 - 足球Croatia Celebrates Luka Modrić's 200th International Match with Special T-Shirts
During a match against Panama, Croatian captain Luka Modrić made his 200th appearance for the national team. To mark this milestone, his teammates wore specially designed T-shirts after the game to honor him. The scene was captured in a video published by WELT. The event underscores Modrić's enduring legacy as one of football's most decorated players and his central role in Croatian football history.
Nachrichten - WELTModric: Never thought I could play 200 matches for Croatia, I am proud of it.
In the second round of the World Cup group stage, Croatia defeated Panama 1-0, marking Luka Modrić's 200th appearance for the Croatian national team. Modrić expressed pride and surprise at reaching the milestone, noting the match was more fortunate than his 100th cap. He described the game as tense but crucial, praising the team's patience against Panama's 5-4-1 formation. After the match, teammates honored him with a special jersey and lifted him in the air. Modrić thanked fans, coaches, and teammates for their support through his career, emphasizing the importance of the three points despite the challenging first half.
虎扑 - 足球After Panama Victory, Croatia's Teammates Honor Modric with Touching Gesture for 200th Cap
Croatian national football team captain Luka Modric, widely regarded as a living legend in his country, celebrated his 200th international appearance following a friendly victory over Panama. In a touching gesture coordinated by his teammates, Modric was honored on the pitch after the match, marking a historic milestone in his illustrious career. The tribute, captured by MagentaTV, highlighted the deep respect and admiration Modric commands within the squad. The article, published by Bild Sport on June 24, 2026, emphasizes the emotional significance of the moment for both the player and the nation, and underscores Modric's enduring legacy as one of Croatia's greatest football icons.
BILD - SportModric Reaches 19 World Cup Starts with Over 80% Pass Completion, Ties Messi and Lahm for Second in History
On June 24, during the World Cup group stage match where Croatia defeated Panama 1-0, Luka Modric made his 200th appearance for the Croatian national team. According to statistics, Modric has achieved a pass completion rate of at least 80% in 19 World Cup starts. Since 1966, only Argentine legend Javier Mascherano has more such matches (20). Modric now ties Lionel Messi and Philipp Lahm with 19 games each in this category, underscoring his remarkable consistency across major tournaments.
虎扑 - 足球Modrić Reaches 200 International Appearances, Receives Commemorative Jersey
In the second round of Group L of the World Cup, Croatia defeated Panama 1-0, marking their first tournament win. Following the match, Luka Modrić became the first Croatian player and fourth male footballer in history to achieve 200 national team caps. He has scored 29 goals and provided 31 assists for Croatia since his debut in 2006. Modrić has led Croatia to a runner-up finish in the 2018 World Cup, third place in the 2022 World Cup, and a runner-up finish in the 2023 UEFA Nations League. To commemorate his milestone, he was presented with a jersey bearing the number 200.
虎扑 - 足球Modrić Reaches 200 National Team Appearances at World Cup, Second After Messi
On June 24, during the second round of the World Cup group stage, Croatia faced Panama, and captain Luka Modrić made his 200th appearance for the Croatian national team. This makes him the second player in history to achieve the milestone of 200 caps in a World Cup match, following Lionel Messi, who reached 200 appearances for Argentina eight days earlier against Algeria. Modrić joins an elite group that also includes Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) and Bader Al-Mutawa (Kuwait), as players with 200 or more national team appearances. Modrić made his national team debut in 2006 and has continued to build his legacy, now reaching this historic mark at the World Cup stage.
虎扑 - 足球Memorable Modric: Croatian Star Becomes Fourth Player to Reach 200 International Caps
The article reports that Croatian midfielder Luka Modric, aged 40, became the fourth male footballer in history to earn 200 international caps, achieving the milestone during a 2026 World Cup match against Panama at BMO Field in Toronto. Modric played 81 minutes and received an ovation from the crowd. He joins an exclusive group that includes Bader A-Mutawa (Kuwait), Lionel Messi (Argentina), and Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal). The article also highlights other World Cup records being set at the 2026 tournament, including Messi becoming the all-time top scorer and Cristiano Ronaldo scoring in six consecutive tournaments. Modric is described as the best player in Croatian history.
Fútbol en AS.comFour Football Players with 200 International Appearances: Ronaldo, Al-Mutawa, Messi, Modric
The article reports that during the second round of the World Cup group stage, Croatia's Luka Modric made his 200th appearance for the national team in a match against Panama. This milestone places Modric among an elite group of four football players worldwide who have achieved 200 or more international appearances. The list includes Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo (230 appearances), Kuwait's Bader Al-Mutawa (202 appearances), Argentina's Lionel Messi (201 appearances), and Croatia's Luka Modric (200 appearances). The article highlights the longevity and dedication of these veteran players who continue to compete at the highest level.
虎扑 - 足球Luka Modric Becomes Third Player to Reach 200 International Caps
During the 2026 World Cup group stage match between Croatia and Panama, 40-year-old midfielder Luka Modric started as captain, becoming only the third player in men's international football history to reach 200 caps. He joins an elite club previously occupied only by Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo (230 caps) and Argentina's Lionel Messi (201 caps). Modric achieved the milestone in his 21st World Cup match, having debuted in the competition in 2006. According to Opta statistics, only Ronaldo (23 matches) and Messi (27 matches) have played more World Cup games since Modric's debut. The AC Milan player continues to represent Croatia at an advanced age, demonstrating remarkable longevity at the highest level.
Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continuModrić reaches 200th appearance milestone for Croatia, having won World Cup silver and bronze
Luka Modrić made his 200th appearance for Croatia's national team in a World Cup group stage match against Panama on June 24. The 37-year-old midfielder, who captained Croatia to a runner-up finish in the 2018 World Cup and a third-place finish in 2022, achieved the milestone after being named in the starting lineup. In his previous 199 matches for Croatia, Modrić scored 29 goals and provided 31 assists. The match is part of the second round of the World Cup group stage.
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