Joško Jeličić Criticizes World Cup and Names Luka Modrić as Potential Croatia Coach

Former Croatian international player and longtime football commentator Joško Jeličić returned to public view in a Tribina podcast after leaving MAXSport, where he had been dismissed following a USKOK indictment for false testimony in the Zdravko Mamić case. In the interview he launched a harsh attack on the 2026 World Cup, FIFA and its president Gianni Infantino, saying he "nabija na kur**" the tournament and denouncing the commercialisation and "Americanisation" of football, including high ticket prices and celebrity presence.

Jeličić also voiced his view on the future of the Croatian national team, suggesting that Luka Modrić should be appointed head coach after Zlatko Dalić's departure. He argued that Modrić’s experience and authority within the player system make him suitable for the role.