Luka Modrić to Retire from International Football After 2026 World Cup

Croatian midfielder Luka Modrić has announced he will retire from international football following the 2026 World Cup. The 39-year-old veteran, who turns 40 in September, intends to conclude his national team career after the tournament. Modrić has earned 196 caps and scored 28 goals for Croatia. He was instrumental in the national team's historic runs, securing a second-place finish at the 2018 World Cup and third place in 2022. Individually, Modrić achieved global recognition in 2018 by winning the Ballon d'Or, breaking the long-standing dominance of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. His club career includes successful stints at Dinamo Zagreb, Tottenham Hotspur, and Real Madrid. Currently playing for AC Milan, Modrić has reportedly declined a contract extension. He is expected to depart the Italian club at the end of the current season.