The veteran captain faces another decisive test as Croatia fights to stay alive.
Dallas, June 2026. Croatia enters its next World Cup match under pressure after beginning the tournament with a 4-2 defeat against England. The result exposed defensive weaknesses and left Zlatko Dalić’s team with little margin for error in Group L. A victory against Panama has therefore become essential to preserve its chances of reaching the knockout stage. The situation has also placed renewed attention on Luka Modrić and his ability to influence another major international tournament.
At nearly 41 years old, Modrić remains the technical and emotional leader of the Croatian national team. His passing, vision and control continue to shape the side’s possession, but he can no longer dominate every phase with the same physical intensity seen during previous World Cups. Croatia now needs the midfielder to recover the rhythm that guided the country to the 2018 final and third place in 2022. The comparison with Marty McFly’s DeLorean reflects the team’s desire to travel back to the period when Modrić consistently dictated the most demanding matches.
Croatia showed attacking quality against England but struggled to maintain defensive balance whenever possession was lost. The midfield was unable to prevent repeated transitions, while the defensive line suffered against the speed and movement of the English forwards. Dalić must now decide whether to maintain his traditional structure or introduce younger players capable of increasing the team’s intensity. Any tactical adjustment will still depend heavily on Modrić’s capacity to organise possession and connect midfield with attack.
Panama presents a different challenge but cannot be underestimated after showing competitiveness in its opening match against Ghana. The Central American side is expected to defend compactly, compete aggressively for second balls and search for opportunities through quick counterattacks. Croatia will probably control possession, although that dominance must be converted into clear chances rather than sterile circulation. Patience, movement between the lines and greater precision in the final third will be necessary to break down Panama’s defensive organisation.
Modrić is participating in his fifth World Cup after previously appearing in the 2006, 2014, 2018 and 2022 editions. His international career has accompanied the most successful period in Croatian football history and established him as the country’s most influential player. However, this tournament may represent his final opportunity to lead Croatia through another memorable global campaign. Every match therefore carries competitive importance as well as the emotional weight of a possible farewell.
Croatia’s experienced generation has repeatedly demonstrated its ability to survive difficult situations in major tournaments. The team reached the later stages of the previous two World Cups through discipline, resilience and remarkable performances during elimination matches. Those qualities must reappear immediately if Croatia wants to avoid an early exit in North America. A convincing response against Panama would restore confidence before the final group match against Ghana.
For Modrić and Croatia, the next match is an opportunity to recover the football that once carried them among the world’s elite.