FIFA World Cup 2026: Luka Modric becomes fourth player to reach 200 international caps; joins Ronaldo, Messi
Toronto, June 24
Luka Modric became the first Croatian and only the fourth player in men's football history to reach 200 international appearances, achieving the milestone during Croatia's 1-0 win over Panama in their second Group L match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Tuesday.
Modric, who captained Croatia to the FIFA World Cup final in 2018, made his senior international debut on June 1, 2006. Over nearly two decades, he has scored 29 goals for his national team and remains a central figure in Croatia's midfield setup.
The legendary list is dominated by Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo, who leads with international 230 caps, followed by Kuwait's Bader Al-Mutawa on 202 caps, and Argentina's Lionel Messi with 201 caps. Modric now sits fourth overall with 200 appearances, becoming the only Croatian to enter the elite 200-cap club.
Meanwhile, Croatia secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Panama in their Group L match of the FIFA World Cup 2026, keeping their knockout hopes alive after a tightly contested encounter in Toronto.
The decisive moment came in the second half when substitute Ante Budimir scored the only goal of the match, helping Croatia bounce back from their opening defeat. The game also marked a special milestone for Luka Modric, who made his 200th international appearance, becoming only the fourth player in men's football history to reach the landmark.
Despite Panama's disciplined defensive effort and a strong first-half showing, they were unable to convert their chances and eventually fell short. The result leaves Croatia with their first points of the tournament, while Panama remains winless in the group stage.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Comparing Ronaldo and Modric - both have different styles but mad respect for Modric. He's not flashy like CR7 but his vision and passing is next level. Croatia always punches above their weight. That 2018 final run was something else.
Honestly, it's sad that football gets so little attention in India when there's so much passion for it. We could learn from small nations like Croatia who maximize their talent. Modric at 38 still going strong - what dedication! 🙌
As someone who watched Modric play for Spurs and Real Madrid, it's amazing to see him still going. He's the epitome of consistency. Croatia vs Panama was a good match too - Budimir coming through in the clutch. Football in Canada is growing, nice to see Toronto hosting these games.
Respect for Modric but why does FIFA always celebrate European and South American players? Kuwait's Bader Al-Mutawa has 202 caps and nobody talks about him. Same with Asian football - we're always sidelined. But anyway, Modric is class. 👏
Modric, Ronaldo, and Messi - these three have defined an era. For Croatia to have a player who's achieved the same as two of the greatest ever says everything about his quality. India needs to develop its football infrastructure - we have the population but no system. Hopefully in 20-30 years we'll have our own Modric.
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