With the pressure off and a ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup already secured, Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalić has confirmed that his team will not be taking their final qualifier lightly—and that fans will be treated to an appearance from their iconic captain, Luka Modrić.
Croatia sealed top spot in their qualifying group with a win over the Faroe Islands, making their upcoming match against Montenegro a celebratory, yet competitive, fixture.
Playing for Pride and the Fans
Despite having nothing left to play for in terms of qualification, Dalić emphasized that his team is fully motivated to finish the campaign on a high note.
“We secured our spot in the World Cup and celebrated this success,” Dalić stated. “We now face a strong opponent in what will be a challenging game… We are determined to win and will step onto the pitch with maximum motivation.”
Modrić’s Appearance Confirmed
The most anticipated news for fans, especially those in Montenegro, was the confirmation that veteran maestro Luka Modrić will feature in the match.
“In the upcoming match, several other players will get a chance, and Luka Modrić will definitely play,” Dalić confirmed. “The fans in Montenegro deserve to see Modrić.”
This gesture ensures that supporters will get to witness one of the modern era’s greatest players in what could be his final World Cup qualifying appearance for the national team.
A Successful Campaign Concludes
The match will be the final act of a highly successful qualifying campaign for the 2022 World Cup bronze medalists. Croatia sits comfortably at the top of the group with an unassailable 19 points, six clear of the Czech Republic in second place.
The game offers Dalić a perfect opportunity to rotate his squad, manage the minutes of key players like Modrić, and build momentum as they officially turn their focus towards the global showpiece in North America.
