League: LaLiga Sport: Soccer Country: England Category: Scores & Results

Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric face off at World Cup

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 1, 2026, 6:42 AM

Last updated Jul 1, 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric face off at World Cup

Summary

Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric are set to face each other at the World Cup as Portugal takes on Croatia in a last-32 matchup. This will mark the first time two outfield players aged over 40 compete in a World Cup. Both players have displayed signs of aging during the tournament. Ronaldo made headlines earlier by scoring twice against Uzbekistan, while Modric's play was questioned after a penalty concession in Croatia's opening match. The upcoming encounter could determine each team's hopes of advancing in a fiercely competitive bracket with potential matchups against stronger opponents.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Ronaldo and Modric are both over 40 years old.
•Portugal scored 5-0 against Uzbekistan but struggled in other group matches.
•Modric has reached his 200th cap for Croatia.
•The winner will face a likely match against Spain.

Latest Updates

6:42 AMYahoo Sports — Ronaldo and Modric struggle to defy Father Time at World Cup

What they're saying

"
Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric will make history when two outfield players aged over 40 face off for the first time in a World Cup as Portugal take on Croatia in Friday's last-32 clash.Prior to this tournament, only Cameroon's Roger Milla had played in a World Cup as an outfield player after turning 40.
— Yahoo Sports

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