Croatia secured their place in the 2026 World Cup knockout rounds with a 2-1 victory over Ghana on Saturday, as Luka Modric became the oldest player in history to register an assist at the tournament. The AC Milan midfielder set up Nikola Vlasic’s decisive header at 40 years and 291 days old, eclipsing previous benchmarks for veteran performers.
The result eliminates Ghana from the competition while guaranteeing the Vatreni’s progression to the last 16. Inter Milan’s Petar Sucic opened the scoring with a spectacular long-range strike that found the bottom corner, earning the 22-year-old the man of the match award.
Vlasic, who represents Torino, sealed the points seven minutes from full-time with a header converted from Modric’s corner delivery. The goal proved sufficient to see off a spirited Black Stars side and confirm Croatia’s passage beyond the group stage.
Serie A Influence Proves Decisive
The fixture underscored the significant contribution of Serie A players to the Croatian national setup, with all three goal involvements coming from stars plying their trade in Italy. Sucic’s breakthrough strike demonstrated his growing reputation among Europe’s emerging midfield talents, while Vlasic’s aerial finish settled a tightly-contested affair.
Modric’s record-breaking assist adds another chapter to a remarkable international career that has already seen him claim the Ballon d’Or and lead Croatia to a World Cup final. The milestone confirms his continued ability to influence matches at the highest level despite his advancing years.
Modric Faces Uncertain Club Future
While Croatia celebrate their progression, questions surround their captain’s immediate situation at club level. Modric’s contract with AC Milan expires on Tuesday, June 30, leaving him days away from becoming a free agent. Recent reports indicate the midfielder is preparing to depart San Siro after a single season in Italy, though no official announcement has confirmed his next destination.
The blend of Modric’s enduring quality and youthful exuberance from talents like Sucic offers Croatia a balanced squad as they enter the knockout phase. Having reached the final in 2018, the Vatreni will hope this generation can mount another sustained challenge for the trophy.
Ghana’s defeat brings their campaign to a premature close, denying the African nation the opportunity to progress beyond the group stage.