Luka Modrić makes his expected World Cup farewell as Croatia exits tournament

Luka Modrić's expected farewell to the World Cup signals the end of one of the most decorated international careers in modern football. The 40-year-old midfielder likely made his final appearance on the global stage following Croatia's elimination by Portugal, prompting widespread reflection across the sporting community as supporters recognize the conclusion of a legendary tournament tenure.

The milestone follows his final outing at the 2026 tournament. After a 2-1 defeat in Toronto on July 2, Modrić addressed the media, commenting on controversial officiating decisions following the match against Portugal. While he is reportedly set to extend his club career at AC Milan, his World Cup exit marks a significant transition for his national team.

Modrić is widely recognized as the defining figure of Croatian football. As a central midfielder, he anchored his national team through multiple deep tournament runs and secured numerous domestic and European titles during his extensive club career. His influence on the pitch established him as one of the preeminent playmakers of his generation.

The international football community has begun to reflect on his legacy in light of his tournament exit. The expected conclusion of Modrić's international career represents a definitive end to an era for Croatia, leaving an indelible mark on the history of the game that will be acknowledged globally.