Croatia look to extend their strong run in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers after back-to-back wins over Gibraltar and the Czech Republic. On Friday, they visit the Faroe Islands, but the big talking point is Luka Modric’s absence from the starting lineup.

After winning their first two group matches, Croatia approach their third game in control of the group. Head coach Zlatko Dalic has decided to rest Modric at the start for tactical reasons, though the AC Milan midfielder is expected to feature in the second half.

Modric came off the bench in the 7–0 win over Gibraltar before starting and scoring in the 5–1 victory against the Czech Republic. Against the Faroe Islands, however, midfield duties will fall to Inter Milan’s Petar Sucic and Atalanta’s Mario Pasalic.

Another storyline is the de

See Full Page