Luka Modric Achieves 200 International Caps in Croatia's Victory at FIFA World Cup 2026

Luka Modric Makes History with 200th International Appearance

Toronto [Canada], June 24: Luka Modric has etched his name in football history by becoming the first Croatian player and only the fourth in men's football to achieve 200 international appearances. This milestone was reached during Croatia's narrow 1-0 victory against Panama in their second Group L match at the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Tuesday (local time).

Having debuted for the national team on June 1, 2006, Modric has been a pivotal player for Croatia, scoring 29 goals over nearly two decades. He previously captained the team to the FIFA World Cup final in 2018, showcasing his leadership and skill in midfield.

Modric joins an elite group of players, with Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo leading the way with 230 caps, followed by Kuwait's Bader Al-Mutawa at 202, and Argentina's Lionel Messi with 201. With his 200 appearances, Modric stands as the only Croatian in this prestigious 200-cap club.

In the match against Panama, Croatia secured a vital 1-0 win, keeping their hopes for knockout stage progression alive after a challenging start to the tournament. The game's only goal came in the second half from substitute Ante Budimir, marking a significant turnaround for Croatia after their initial defeat.

Despite a strong defensive display from Panama and a promising first half, they could not capitalize on their opportunities, resulting in a disappointing outcome. This victory marks Croatia's first points in the tournament, while Panama continues to seek their first win in the group stage.