England face Croatia on June 17, 2026, in Group L at Dallas Stadium. Kickoff is set for 4:00 PM ET, and the opening game already carries major weight for both teams.
Match Preview
This is a heavyweight Group L opener. England arrive with a deep and athletic squad, while Croatia bring experience, structure, and tournament know-how.
Thomas Tuchel’s side is built around control and speed. Croatia, under Zlatko Dalić, remain dangerous because they can slow the game and manage pressure.
England should attack through width and midfield power. Croatia will look to make the game compact and force long spells of patience.
A likely England lineup is: Jordan Pickford; Reece James, John Stones, Marc Guéhi, Luke Shaw; Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Kobbie Mainoo; Bukayo Saka, Harry Kane, Anthony Gordon.
A likely Croatia lineup is: Dominik Livaković; Josip Stanišić, Joško Gvardiol, Duje Ćaleta-Car, Josip Šutalo; Mateo Kovačić, Luka Modrić, Mario Pašalić; Ivan Perišić, Andrej Kramarić, Marco Pašalić.
England enter as slight favorites in the market. That reflects squad depth and recent form, but Croatia are still a dangerous opening opponent.
Key Players to Watch
Harry Kane remains England’s main reference in the box. He gives them finishing, hold-up play, and leadership in tight matches.
Jude Bellingham is the most important link between midfield and attack. His ability to break lines can unsettle Croatia’s shape early.
For Croatia, Luka Modrić still shapes tempo. Even at this stage of his career, his passing can decide whether Croatia control the rhythm.
Joško Gvardiol is Croatia’s defensive anchor. His recovery pace and reading of the game will matter against England’s runners.
Head-to-Head Record
England and Croatia have a notable World Cup history. Croatia beat England 2-1 after extra time in the 2018 semi-final.
That match still shapes the rivalry. England will remember the pain, while Croatia will trust their tournament edge.
There is no recent pattern of one-sided control. These sides usually create a tactical game with narrow margins and few mistakes.
Prediction & Odds
The betting market gives England the edge. ESPN lists England around -135 on the moneyline, with Croatia near +380 and the total around 2.5 goals.
Other markets also price England as favorites, with Croatia in underdog territory. That points to a competitive game, but not a runaway.
England’s midfield depth may decide it. Croatia can still make this uncomfortable if Modrić and Kovačić control the center.
Predicted score: England 2-1 Croatia. England look stronger on paper, but Croatia should create enough danger to keep it close.
How to Watch
In the USA, kickoff is set for 4:00 PM ET. FOX lists the match in its World Cup schedule, and FS1 remains part of the broader broadcast package.
In the UK, ITV1 is the confirmed home for England vs Croatia. BBC and ITV split the tournament, but this fixture sits with ITV.
In the Arab world, beIN Sports will provide live coverage across its dedicated World Cup channels. The network also promises extensive Arabic studio coverage.
Suggested internal link placements: add a link to your “World Cup 2026 Group L standings” hub after the opening paragraph, another to “England squad guide” in Match Preview, and a third to “Croatia squad guide” in Key Players to Watch.
