It’s a tragedy if Italy miss three World Cups in a row, Modric prays for Azurri

12.12.2025
Croatia and AC Milan veteran midfield player Luka Modric said he is hopeful that Italy will qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
The Azzurri are in for a playoff against Northern Ireland and then play the winner between Wales and Bosnia Herzegovina, a win in those two games will see Italy break the circle of their back-to-back World Cup miss.
“It would be a tragedy for you to miss a third World Cup in a row,” Modric told Gazzetta.
“I hope Italy qualify because all the best teams will be at the next World Cup and Italy are one of the best, so they have to be there.
“The playoffs are always difficult, but I wish Italy the best of luck in qualifying. I’ll be waiting for you.”
Modric’s Croatia will be in Group L with England, Ghana and Panama, while, if Italy qualify, they’ll meet Canada, Switzerland and Qatar in Group B.
“England are one of the strongest national teams around, but we don’t underestimate anyone. We’re in a difficult group, and we have to prepare well,” said Modric.
“The World Cup is still a long way off, and right now we need to think about the present and about Milan because we want to keep going down this path.”