Football fans around the globe will be keen to see Croatian legend Luka Modrić in action as he is set to feature for the Vatreni against Czechia in their opening UEFA Nations League 2026-27 Group A3 clash today, Saturday, September 26, 2026. The match, scheduled for an unusual 12:15 AM IST kick-off in Prague, marks one of the final opportunities for supporters to witness the 41-year-old midfielder don the national colours before his much-anticipated international retirement.
Modric did miss Croatia’s training session before departure for Czechia, due to suspected viral, but has travelled with the time to Prague, and is inline to feature in the XI having participated in practice session last evening. If Modric is excluded, withdrawn early or rotated, younger midfielders such as Luka Sucic and Slaven Bilic are on standby to take over the creative duties in the centre of the park.
Modrić, who was born on September 9, 1985, and turned 41 earlier this month, recently extended his club contract with AC Milan until June 2027. However, his illustrious international career is drawing to a close. Reports indicate that the Ballon d’Or winner will step down from national team duties in early October, with his final appearance for Croatia slated for October 6, 2026, against Spain in a Nations League fixture in Split.
Match Details at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Competition | UEFA Nations League 2026-27, League A |
| Group | Group A3 |
| Teams | Czechia vs Croatia |
| Date | Saturday, September 26, 2026 |
| Kick-off | 12:15 AM IST (Sept 27) |
| Venue | Prague, Czechia |
| Stage | League Phase, Matchday 1 |
Team Form and Group Context
Both Czechia and Croatia find themselves in a challenging League A Group A3, alongside powerhouses England and Spain. Their recent performances offer a glimpse into their current standings. Czechia’s last three international outings, all from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, saw them secure zero wins, one draw, and two losses, leading to a group stage exit.
| Czechia Recent Form (Last 3 Matches) |
|---|
| 0-3 L vs Mexico (FIFA World Cup, June 24, 2026) |
| 1-1 D vs South Africa (FIFA World Cup, June 18, 2026) |
| 1-2 L vs South Korea (FIFA World Cup, June 11, 2026) |
Croatia, meanwhile, exited the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the Round of 32 after a 2-1 defeat to Portugal. Despite this, the Vatreni have consistently proven their mettle on the international stage, with Modrić central to their successes. His presence today will undoubtedly be a morale booster as Croatia aim to commence their Nations League journey with a victory.
As the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League kicks off, all eyes will be on Prague to see if Modrić can inspire Croatia to a winning start in what promises to be an emotional final chapter of his international career.