England vs Croatia — World Cup 2026 Group · Matchday 1
Match preview / What to expect
Updated Jun 6, 2026A box-office Matchday 1 tie at AT&T Stadium in Dallas: England against Croatia, a reunion of the 2018 semi-final that Croatia won 2-1 in extra time to deny the Three Lions a first final since 1966.
Thomas Tuchel's England were the most statistically dominant side in European qualifying — eight wins from eight, 22 scored, none conceded. Harry Kane, Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka lead a deep squad; the main debate is the No.10 role and the balance between Jude Bellingham, Morgan Rogers and Eberechi Eze. Croatia, built on experience, are captained by 40-year-old Luka Modric at a record sixth World Cup, with four players over 100 caps.
Expect England to press the tempo and Croatia to control midfield and slow the game. England's youth and power against Croatia's craft and tournament savvy should make for a compelling, finely poised opener that may decide top spot in Group L.
Key storylines
- 012018 revisited: Croatia beat England in extra time in that World Cup semi-final.
- 02Tuchel's dominant qualifiers: England won all eight games, scoring 22 and conceding none.
- 03Modric's record: the 40-year-old captains Croatia at a record sixth World Cup.
- 04England's No.10 puzzle: Bellingham, Rogers and Eze competing for the creative role.
- 05Group L decider: this opener could settle who tops the section ahead of Ghana and Panama.
Prediction
England's form and depth give them the edge, but Croatia rarely make it easy. Projected: England 2-1 Croatia in a tight, high-quality opener.
