Modric Ends Appearance at the World Cup, Honors Flowing

JAKARTA - Croatian legend Luka Modric made his last appearance at the World Cup with a dramatic and emotional ending on Friday, July 3, 2026, WIB morning, after a narrow 1-2 defeat to Portugal in the last 32.

At 40, Modric still made a big contribution to the defeat, leading his team with 66 touches, completing three tackles, and delivering two dangerous crosses in the second half.

However, Croatia failed when the equalizer in the final minutes from Josko Gvardiol was ruled offside.

Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic noted that this may be Modric's last appearance at the World Cup, 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. Again, he is one of our most important players. I'm very sorry this ended like this for him."

"He once again showed his character and quality. He led Croatia to the end," said Dalic.

Modric, who led Croatia to second and third place in 2018 and 2022, has now appeared in five World Cups. He was a starter in all four 2026 World Cup matches.

"I played with Luka for years. Our ages are almost the same. I think he is a football legend. He is still a football legend," said Modric's former teammate at Real Madrid, Cristiano Ronaldo, paying tribute.

Modric won the Ballon d'Or in 2018. At Real Madrid, he also won six Champions League titles and four LaLiga titles.

He played for 23 seasons at the club, mainly with Dinamo Zagreb, Tottenham Hotspur, and Real Madrid. Even when he was with AC Milan last season, he led his team in total touches, successful passes, progressive passes, total distance carried with the ball, and ball possession.

"You're talking about a player who, at his age, plays like a young man with the ability to think."

"We don't often talk about the thinking part of the game. It's all about tactics, technical aspects, physical aspects."

"We don't often talk about players who can control the ball and make decisions. I think Modric is a good example of that. Depending on how the game goes, he finds his rhythm, and he makes the right decisions," said Portuguese coach Roberto Martinez.