Modric withdraws from World Cup after heartbreaking defeat to Croatia

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  Bill ConnellyJuly 3, 2026 12:18 pm ET

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  Bill Connelly is a writer for ESPN. He covers college football, soccer and tennis. He has been with ESPN since 2019.

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TORONTO — Croatian legend Luka Modric saw his potential “last dance” at the World Cup come to a dramatic and emotional end Thursday after a comprehensive 2-1 loss to Portugal in the round of 16.

At 40, Modric was still a big contributor in the losing effort, leading his team with 66 touches, making three tackles and making a couple of dangerous crosses in the second half. However, Croatia lost when Joško Guardiola’s late and tying goal was disallowed for offside.

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Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic said this was “probably” Modric’s last World Cup appearance, but added: “Only God knows what will happen in the next four years. We’ll see. We’ll talk about it in Croatia.”

“Luka played very well. He was again one of our most important players. I’m very sorry that it ended like this for him. He showed his character and his qualities once again. He led Croatia until the very end,” Dalic added.

Modric, who led Croatia to second and third places in 2018 and 2022, has now appeared in five World Cups. He started all four matches of the 2026 World Cup.

“I played with Luka for so many years,” said Modric’s former Real Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo. “We are almost the same age. I think he is a football legend. He is still a football legend.”

Modric won the Ballon d’Or in 2018. At Madrid he also won six Champions League titles and four La Liga crowns. He played 23 club seasons, mainly with Dinamo Zagreb, Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid. Even with Milan last season, he led his team in total touches, completed passes, progressive passes, total carrying distance and ball rebounds.

“You are talking about a player who, despite his longevity, plays the game like a young man with the ability to think,” Portugal coach Roberto Martinez said.

“Not too many times do we talk about the mental part of the game; it’s all about the tactical aspect, the technical aspect, the physical aspect. It’s not very often that we talk about a player who can put his foot on the ball and make a decision. I think Modric is a great example of that. Depending on how the game is going, he finds his pace and makes the right choice.”