Even after announcing he’ll leave Real Madrid following the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, Luka Modrić is not done writing his football story. And there’s one dream he still refuses to give up on: winning the FIFA World Cup.

That ambition was confirmed this week by Zlatko Dalić, head coach of the Croatian national team, who expressed his belief that Modrić will continue to lead Croatia as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup in USA, Mexico, and Canada.

“I see him as the captain of the team for the next cycle, up until the World Cup — which I believe we will win together,” Dalić told Sportske novosti.

A legacy still in motion

At 38 years old, Modrić remains an essential figure for Croatia. As captain and the face of the country’s golden generation — runners-up in Russia 2018 and third-place finishers in Qatar 2022 — he shows no signs of stepping away just yet. At least not before attempting one final run at football’s ultimate prize.

“His talent is exceptional, but it’s his passion to win, his sacrifice, character, and vision that made him a great of the game,” Dalić praised.

The manager also confirmed that he expects Modrić to join the national team camp on May 30 in Rijeka, where Croatia will prepare for their first UEFA World Cup qualifying matches.

Road to 2026 begins

Croatia will open their qualifying campaign against Gibraltar on June 6 in Faro, Portugal, followed by a match against the Czech Republic on June 9 in Osijek.

For Modrić, who has won every major club trophy and claimed the Ballon d’Or in 2018, the World Cup remains the last great objective of a legendary career. While his farewell at the Santiago Bernabéu draws near, his journey with Croatia is far from over — and perhaps, the best chapter is yet to come.