AC Milan midfielder Luka Modrić has delivered a stark warning to Italian football, insisting that missing the 2026 FIFA World Cup would be nothing short of a tragedy for Italy if it were to happen again. The Croatian veteran believes the global tournament would feel incomplete without the presence of the Azzurri, a nation with one of the richest histories in world football.
Italy are currently facing a tense road to qualification and must navigate the play-off route to secure a place at the World Cup in North America. For Modrić, the idea of Italy missing the tournament for a third consecutive time is almost unthinkable.
“That would be a tragedy for you if Italy were to miss another World Cup,” Modrić told La Gazzetta dello Sport. “A competition like the World Cup needs Italy.”
Italy’s Play-Off Challenge Still Ahead
Italy’s qualification fate remains uncertain. The four-time world champions must first overcome Northern Ireland in the play-off semifinal. Should they progress, a final showdown awaits against either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina, with a place at the 2026 World Cup on the line.
It is a scenario that has stirred anxiety among Italian supporters, particularly after the painful failures to qualify for both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. Those absences marked one of the darkest periods in the nation’s footballing history.
Modrić understands the pressure surrounding the play-offs but believes Italy’s quality should ultimately shine through.
“Play-offs are always difficult,” he admitted. “Anything can happen in one game. But I truly hope Italy succeed. I will be waiting to see them there.”
“Italy Belongs at the World Cup”
The former Ballon d’Or winner made it clear that, in his view, Italy remain one of the elite nations in world football and deserve a place among the best teams on the biggest stage.
“I hope Italy qualify because all the best teams will be at the next World Cup,” Modrić said. “And Italy are one of those teams. They belong there.”
His comments carry extra weight given his experience at the highest level. Modrić has competed in multiple World Cups, including leading Croatia to the 2018 final and a third-place finish in 2022, cementing his status as one of the greatest midfielders of his generation.
From that perspective, the absence of a footballing giant like Italy would diminish the prestige and competitive balance of the tournament.
Respect from a Rival, Not Sympathy
Despite being a Croatian icon, Modrić’s remarks are not rooted in sympathy, but in respect. Croatia and Italy have crossed paths many times in international football, yet Modrić sees the Azzurri as a vital pillar of the sport’s global identity.
Italy’s defensive tradition, tactical intelligence, and tournament pedigree make them a unique presence at major competitions. For Modrić, their continued absence would represent a loss not just for Italian fans, but for football as a whole.
Croatia’s Own World Cup Focus
While expressing his hopes for Italy, Modrić remains fully focused on Croatia’s preparations for the 2026 World Cup. Croatia have already secured qualification and have been drawn into Group L, alongside England, Ghana, and Panama.
“It’s a very demanding group,” Modrić said. “England are one of the strongest national teams in the world right now, but we never underestimate anyone.”
The Croatian captain emphasized that experience alone will not be enough to guarantee success.
“Our group is tough, and we have to prepare properly. Every match at the World Cup is difficult,” he explained.
Italy’s Potential Group Awaits
Should Italy successfully navigate the play-offs, they will be placed into Group B, where Canada, Switzerland, and Qatar await. On paper, it is a competitive but manageable group for a nation of Italy’s stature—assuming they make it to the finals.
For Modrić, the prospect of Italy returning to the World Cup stage is one he genuinely looks forward to.
“I want to see Italy there,” he reiterated. “Big tournaments are better when the biggest teams are involved.”
Balancing Club and Country at 40
Now aged 40, Modrić continues to defy expectations at both club and international level. After joining AC Milan, he has remained an influential figure in midfield, offering leadership, composure, and experience to a youthful squad.
However, the Croatian star made it clear that the World Cup is still some way off, and his immediate focus remains on the present.
“The World Cup is still far away,” Modrić said. “Right now, we have to think about the present—and about Milan. We want to continue on the path we’re building.”
His words reflect the mindset that has defined his career: focusing on each challenge step by step, rather than looking too far ahead.
A Warning Italy Cannot Ignore
Modrić’s comments serve as both encouragement and warning. Italy still have time to correct course, but the margin for error is slim. Failure in the play-offs would extend a painful chapter and further damage the reputation of one of football’s most successful nations.
From the perspective of a global icon who understands the weight of World Cup history, Modrić’s message is clear: Italy must be there.
Another absence would not simply be disappointing—it would be a tragedy for Italian football and for the World Cup itself.
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