… The 32-year-old Kane, who arrived at the World Cup shouldering heavy expectations after a brilliant season at Bayern Munich, had opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 12th minute after Noni Madueke was brought down in the box by Croatia’s 40-year-old Luka Modric. …
… Harry Kane put England ahead in 12 minutes with a twice-taken spot-kick after Luka Modric fouled Noni Madueke, Croatia keeper Dominik Livakovic saving his first attempt but penalised for encroaching off his goalline. …
… Croatia will be among the oldest teams at the tournament, with roughly half or more of their starters into their 30s and the captain, Luka Modric, now 40. …
… As iconic figures such as Sergio Ramos, Karim Benzema, Toni Kroos and Luka Modric gradually moved on, he emerged as a leader, eventually captaining the side. …
… People that know Serie A well have mentioned that 40-year-old Croatia midfielder Luka Modric, who left the Bernabeu to join Milan last summer, could come back with him. …
Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic believes Luka Modric will be fit to lead his side at this summer’s World Cup after the AC Milan midfielder had surgery on a broken cheekbone. …
AC Milan midfielder Luka Modric, 40, has signed a one-year contract extension with the Italian club after joining on a one-year deal last summer following 13 years at Real Madrid. Modric scored two goals in 37 appearances for Milan last season as they finished fifth in Serie A.
AC Milan midfielder Luka Modric, 40, has signed a one-year contract extension with the Italian club after joining on a one-year deal last summer following 13 years at Real Madrid. Modric scored two goals in 37 appearances for Milan last season as they finished fifth in Serie A.
Goncalo Ramos scored in the 94th minute to give Portugal a 2-1 victory over Croatia and a place in the World Cup last 16, after Cristiano Ronaldo equalized from the penalty spot in the second half and Croatia thought they had rescued the match with a late goal that was ruled out for offside.
As of 2 July, 14 players still active at the World Cup are technically without clubs to return to after the tournament ends. Notable free agents include Casemiro, James Rodriguez, Mo Salah, John Stones, and others, some of whom are using the competition to impress potential suitors despite their employment situations.
Portugal and Croatia meet in the 2026 World Cup Round of 32 in Toronto, a match that could mark the final international tournament appearance for aging superstars Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric. Portugal's performances have been inconsistent while Croatia showed vulnerabilities against England, leaving the match without a clear favourite.
Ghana lost 2-1 to Croatia in their final Group L match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with a late Nikola Vlašić header preventing them from finishing in the top two. Despite the defeat, Ghana advanced to the Round of 32 as one of the best third-placed teams, ending the group stage on four points.
Ghana's Black Stars play Croatia at the Philadelphia Stadium tonight needing victory to secure qualification from Group L as group winners or runners-up, having earned four points from two matches against England and Panama.
Ghana forward Antoine Semenyo has expressed admiration for Croatia captain Luka Modrić, calling him one of the best midfielders of the current era, as the Black Stars prepare for a final group-stage match against Croatia in the World Cup.
Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz says his team must be "more strong and better" to win Saturday's match against Croatia in their Group L finale. Queiroz acknowledged Croatia's quality despite their 4-2 loss to England, praising their football and singling out Luka Modric, and warned that Ghana are "full alert" for a wounded but capable opponent.
Black Stars forward Antoine Semenyo has praised Croatia captain Luka Modrić as one of the finest midfielders of the modern era as Ghana prepares for a decisive FIFA World Cup Group L encounter. Ghana heads into the match with confidence after drawing with England, hoping to advance beyond the group phase after early elimination in the previous World Cup.
Ghana footballer Antoine Semenyo has praised Croatia's captain Luka Modrić as one of the best midfielders of the current era, ahead of Ghana's final World Cup group-stage clash against Croatia. Semenyo expressed admiration for Modrić's technical abilities and said he is eager to share the pitch with the experienced player.
Ghana will play Croatia in the final Group L fixture of the FIFA World Cup at Philadelphia Stadium tomorrow at 9pm local time. Ghana needs at least a point to advance to the round of 32, while Croatia must win to guarantee progression.
Croatia defeated Panama 1–0 in Group L play to register their first World Cup points and remain in contention for the knockout phase. The win coincided with Luka Modric's 200th international appearance.
Harry Kane scored twice as England defeated Croatia 4-2 in a World Cup Group L match, with Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford also scoring. The victory came in a heavyweight clash at Dallas Stadium, with Croatia twice drawing level before England pulled away.
Harry Kane used a deliberate stuttered run-up in England's World Cup opener against Croatia, knowing it might draw goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic off his goalline; after his first penalty was saved, VAR ruled Livakovic had moved too early, and Kane scored on the retake.
England beat Croatia in a high-scoring match in Dallas, with Harry Kane scoring twice and Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford adding goals. The match was decided after England came from behind multiple times and ultimately secured a comfortable victory, though England showed defensive vulnerabilities throughout the match.
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Luka Modric, and Neymar are stepping onto that stage for what is understood to be the very last time in their careers.
Croatia qualified for the 2026 World Cup with a comfortable qualifying campaign and will field one of the tournament's oldest squads, with roughly half or more of starters in their 30s, including 40-year-old captain Luka Modric. Manager Zlatko Dalic plans to deploy a back-four formation as the primary setup, with the Manchester City duo of Gvardiol and Kovacic key to the team's strategy.
Dani Carvajal, 34, will leave Real Madrid at the end of the season when his contract expires in June after two spells at the club covering 23 years. The right-back made 450 appearances, won 27 titles including six Champions League titles, and is among only five players to win the Champions League six times.
Croatia's head coach Zlatko Dalić announced a preliminary squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States, featuring experienced internationals and emerging talents. Ghana's group opponent Croatia will face England, Ghana and Panama in Group L of the tournament.
Jose Mourinho is returning to Real Madrid 13 years after his previous stint, as announced by president Florentino Perez at a contentious press conference. The appointment aligns Mourinho's siege mentality and media-focused approach with Perez's worldview amid internal divisions in Madrid's dressing room.
Real Madrid's manager Alvaro Arbeloa faces pressure after poor results, sitting closer to third-place than league leaders Barcelona with a 64% win percentage in La Liga. Jose Mourinho, currently managing Benfica, is being mentioned as a potential replacement, having previously managed Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013 and winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup.
Luka Modric underwent surgery for a broken cheekbone sustained in a collision during AC Milan's 0-0 draw with Juventus. Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic expressed confidence that the 40-year-old will be fit to lead his side at the World Cup, which begins on 11 June, with Croatia opening their campaign against England on 17 June.