England vs Croatia — the first great European battle of the World Cup
England and Croatia renew their World Cup rivalry in Group L, with memories of Croatia's dramatic 2018 semi-final win still fresh — and both sides knowing this opener could decide who tops the group
England and Croatia meet in one of the most anticipated group stage clashes of the 2026 World Cup, in Group L at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. This is only their second ever meeting at a World Cup — the first being the 2018 semi-final in Moscow, where Croatia broke English hearts with a 2-1 extra-time victory, goals from Ivan Perišić and Mario Mandžukić sending the Croatians to a historic final. England gained partial revenge at Euro 2020 with a 1-0 win, but the wound from 2018 lingers. Many analysts believe this opener will effectively decide who wins the group and earns a more favourable path through the knockouts, with Ghana and Panama also in Group L.
England arrive in fine form under new manager Thomas Tuchel, having beaten Costa Rica (3-0) and New Zealand (1-0) in their pre-tournament friendlies. The one concern is the absence of right-back Tino Livramento, ruled out with a muscle injury and replaced by Trevoh Chalobah. Harry Kane is expected to lead the attack, supported by Anthony Gordon, Jude Bellingham and Noni Madueke.
Croatia, led by veteran coach Zlatko Dalić, showed their customary resilience in a 2-1 win over Slovenia in their final warm-up. They will again rely on their legendary midfield duo of Luka Modrić and Mateo Kovačić, while Joško Gvardiol faces the challenge of containing England's attackers in defence.