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Modric's World Cup 2026 Hopes Alive After Surgery, Says Dalic

Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic has expressed confidence that captain Luka Modric will recover from facial surgery in time for the FIFA World Cup 2026. Modric suffered a cheekbone fracture during a collision with Juventus' Manuel Locatelli in an AC Milan match. Croatia will play their fourth consecutive World Cup, facing England, Panama, and Ghana in the group stage. This tournament is expected to be Modric's last World Cup appearance at age 40.

Key Points: Modric to Recover for World Cup 2026, Says Croatia Coach

  • Luka Modric undergoes facial surgery after AC Milan injury
  • Croatia coach Dalic confident in his recovery for World Cup 2026
  • Modric, 40, to play his last World Cup for Croatia
  • Croatia faces England, Panama, Ghana in group stage
2 min read

FIFA World Cup 2026: 'Modric will do everything to recover in time,' says Croatia coach Dalic

Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic backs Luka Modric to recover from facial surgery in time for FIFA World Cup 2026. Modric injured in AC Milan clash.

"I am convinced that he will do everything to be ready for the World Cup. - Zlatko Dalic"

Zagreb, April 28

Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalic has backed captain Luka Modric to recover in time for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 after the veteran midfielder recently underwent surgery following a facial injury.

"I've been talking to Luka and wished him a successful surgery and a quick recovery. I am convinced that he will do everything to be ready for the World Cup. We will give him full support, and I believe everything will go according to plan. As our captain, I am confident he will lead us again at a major tournament this summer," Dalic said as quoted by the BBC.

Modric had to undergo surgery after suffering a serious facial injury during the AC Milan vs Juventus clash on Sunday. The 40-year-old midfielder, who has been an important player for AC Milan this season, was involved in a heavy collision with Manuel Locatelli while challenging for an aerial ball at the San Siro.

The incident occurred late in the match, forcing Modric to leave the pitch with around 10 minutes remaining. Despite being in visible pain, he stayed near the touchline until the final whistle, showing his commitment to the team.

Medical tests later confirmed that Modric had suffered a fracture to his left cheekbone, which required immediate surgery. The procedure was successful, and the focus is now on his recovery and rehabilitation.

Croatia is playing their fourth consecutive FIFA World Cup; it will face England, Panama, and Ghana in the group stage. The 2018 runners-up will start their campaign on June 17 against England.

Having reached the final at Russia 2018 and secured another third-place finish at Qatar 2022, Croatia possesses the incredible record of progressing to the semi-finals in half of their World Cup appearances to date.

Meanwhile, Modric will be playing his last World Cup as the midfielder has already turned 40.

While the World Cup remains the long-term goal, Modric's domestic campaign appears to be at an end. His injury will definitely hurt the Serie A side, who are chasing a Champions League spot with only four games left to play in the season. They are placed at third with 67 points, but fourth-placed Juventus are close with 64 points and can take their spot with one win.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
It's amazing how Modric keeps going. Croatia's golden generation is slowly fading, but he's the heart of the team. Dalic's confidence in him is understandable—captaincy is about more than just playing, it's about inspiring the squad. But honestly, I worry that rushing him back might do more harm than good. First, let him heal properly.
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Rohit P
Croatia vs England in the group stage again! Those 2018 semi-final memories are still fresh. India might not be in the World Cup, but we love watching these European giants clash. Modric's recovery is crucial—without him, Croatia's midfield creativity drops significantly. Fingers crossed 🤞
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James A
Respect to Modric for his dedication, but Dalic's statement feels a bit optimistic. Facial fractures aren't simple—cheekbone surgery usually takes weeks to heal, and contact sports risk further injury. He might be fit, but match-ready? That's a stretch. Still, amazing career for a player who started as a war refugee. Truly inspiring.
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Kavya N
Modric is a one-of-a-kind player. Balon d'Or winner, World Cup runner-up, and now playing at 40—what a legacy! But this is his last World Cup, so I hope Croatia's younger players step up. India should also focus on football at the grassroots level; we have so much potential. These international stars show us what dedication looks like.
M
Michael C
Serious injury, but Dalic's confidence might be misplaced

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