Edin Džeko and Luka Modrić bow out of World Cup

Bosnia and Herzegovina’s captain Edin Džeko and Croatia’s veteran Luka Modrić are expected to make the 2022 Qatar World Cup their final appearance on football’s biggest stage. Bosnia exited the tournament after a 2‑1 defeat to the United States in the round of 16, while Croatia were eliminated by Portugal in the same round following a contentious match that featured VAR drama.

At 40 years and 106 days, Džeko set a World Cup record as the oldest player to start a knockout‑stage match when he faced the United States. Media outlets described his career as a symbol of longevity and success for a nation of modest size. Modrić, also 40, is widely regarded as likely playing his last World Cup, with coaches and journalists noting his “final dance” at the tournament.

In contrast, fellow Croatian star Ivan Perišić, now 37, announced he will continue playing beyond Qatar, having returned briefly to Hajduk Split before moving to PSV Eindhoven. Perišić has amassed 159 caps and 39 goals for Croatia, matching Messi’s record of scoring and assisting in four different World Cups. He remains a key figure as Croatia transitions to a new generation of players.