In their first 2026 World Cup qualifier, Croatia beat Gibraltar 0-7 at the Algarve Stadium in the Portuguese city of Faro. Modrić came on after the break and played 26 minutes of the clash.

The visitors headed into the half-time break two goals to the good, thanks to strikes by Pašalić and Budimir. In the second half, Ivanović increased the deficit with a brace, Perišić hit the fifth, and Kramarić made it six and then seven.

The Croatian National Team will play at home in their next fixture, hosting the Czech Republic at the Opus Arena in Osijek on Monday, 9 June (8:45 pm CEST).