Croatia manager Zlatko Dalic has named a 26-man squad for March friendlies against Brazil and Colombia in Orlando, Florida, as the Vatreni prepare for what promises to be Luka Modric's final World Cup campaign. The matches, part of the "Road to 26" series, will test Croatia's readiness against two of South America's most formidable nations just months before the tournament begins.

Modric's Last Hurrah

At 40 years old, Luka Modric remains the heartbeat of Croatian football. The Real Madrid midfielder has defied time and expectation to maintain world-class form, but the 2026 World Cup represents his international farewell. Dalic's tactical plans revolve around maximizing Modric's diminishing but still exceptional abilities while integrating younger players who will carry Croatia forward.

"This World Cup, from a Croatian perspective, is likely to be all about Luka Modric, with the 40-year-old unlikely to enter another tournament after this one," noted FourFourTwo in their squad analysis.

Brazil Rematch Carries Psychological Weight

The clash with Brazil holds special significance. Croatia famously eliminated Brazil in the 2022 World Cup quarterfinals via penalty shootout after a dramatic 1-1 draw. That victory showcased Croatia's trademark resilience, tactical discipline, and mental fortitude.

"Beating Brazil at the World Cup was one of Croatian football's greatest moments," Dalic reflected. "But this is a new tournament, a new Brazil, and we must prove ourselves again. These friendlies help us understand where we stand against the world's elite."

The friendlies against Brazil on March 26 and Colombia on March 31, both in Orlando, represent Croatia's most significant tests before the World Cup.