Luka Modrić celebrates 200th appearance for Croatia national team

Croatia beat Panama 1‑0 at BMO Field in Toronto, keeping its hopes alive for a knockout‑stage spot at the 2026 World Cup. The match also marked captain Luka Modrić's 200th cap for the national side, making him the fourth player in history to reach that milestone after Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Bader Al‑Mutawa.

After the game the Croatian Football Federation posted a video tribute featuring former teammates and a special "200" themed cake. Modrić said, "I never could have imagined reaching that number. Thank God, the fans and everyone who helped me across these 200 matches," expressing pride and optimism for the remaining group matches.

His achievement places him among an elite group of international footballers and adds a celebratory note to Croatia's World Cup qualifying campaign.