# Luka Modrić continuation with Croatia national team > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/luka-modri-continuation-with-croatia-national-team > Updated: 2026-09-06T22:44:35.000Z. Sources: 94. Developments: 2. Luka Modrić has decided to continue his international career with the Croatia national football team, rejecting previous speculation regarding retirement. The captain, who plays for AC Milan, confirmed his availability to head coach Slaven Bilić and Croatian Football Federation President Marijan Kustić. This decision marks a reunion between Modrić and Bilić, who last worked together 14 years ago. Bilić expressed satisfaction with the decision, stating that Modrić brings “immense value to the team both on and off the pitch” and shares the ambition to keep Croatia among the world’s elite footballing nations. Following this, coach Slaven Bilić announced his first 26-man squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League campaign, succeeding Zlatko Dalić. The selection includes veteran players such as Joško Gvardiol, Mateo Kovačić, Andrej Kramarić, and goalkeeper Dominik Livaković, alongside new inclusions such as young defender Luka Vušković and striker Dion Drena Beljo. Now 41, Modrić remains a central figure in the roster, though Bilić noted his playing time will be managed based on his physical condition and club rhythm at AC Milan. The team faces a demanding schedule of four competitive matches in 12 days: away games against the Czech Republic on September 26 and Spain on September 29, followed by home matches against England on October 3 and a second match against Spain on October 6. Bilić also introduced his new technical staff, which includes set-piece specialist Gianni Vio. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-06: Slaven Bilić announces Croatia squad for Nations League Croatia head coach Slaven Bilić has named his squad for the UEFA Nations League, confirming that Luka Modrić will continue to lead the national team through the upcoming matches. 26 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/croatia-coach-slaven-bili-announces-nations-league-squad ### 2026-09-05: Luka Modrić to continue playing for Croatia national team Croatia captain Luka Modrić has announced he will continue playing for the national team, committing to upcoming Nations League fixtures against the Czech Republic, Spain, and England. 77 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/luka-modri-to-continue-playing-for-croatia-national-team --- Cite as: Luka Modrić continuation with Croatia national team. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/luka-modri-continuation-with-croatia-national-team