England vs Croatia
England get their World Cup started against the team that ended their dream in 2018, and they will want it back.
What makes England vs Croatia interesting?
The last time these 2 teams met at a World Cup, Croatia knocked England out.
It was the 2018 semi-final, and Croatia won 2-1 after extra time to reach the final.
That result still stings for England, so this game has a clear revenge feeling to it.
Both teams are among the most respected sides in Europe, so the quality on the pitch should be high.
It is also rare to get a match this big on the opening day of a group.
So this is not a slow warm-up game, it is a heavyweight clash from the very first whistle.
What to watch out for?
Watch how England handle the early pressure, because they will be desperate to put 2018 right.
Watch whether Croatia's experience in the biggest games shows again, the way it did 8 years ago.
The opening match of a group is huge, and losing it puts you behind in the group straight away.
So both teams will want to start strong and avoid an early setback.
Keep an eye on which side settles first, because the team that takes control early often takes the points.
How England and Croatia compare
| England | Croatia | |
|---|---|---|
| #4 | FIFA ranking | #10 |
| 17th | World Cups | 7th |
| Winners (1966) | Best finish | Runners-up (2018) |
| UEFA | Confederation | UEFA |
- Date
- Wednesday, June 17
- Kickoff Time
- 15:00 (Chicago time)
- Stage
- Group stage, Group L
- Stadium
- AT&T Stadium, Arlington
Common questions
When and where is England vs Croatia played?
It is played on Wednesday June 17, 2026 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, near Dallas. This is the opening game of Group L for both teams.
What time does England vs Croatia kick off?
Kickoff is at 15:00 local time in Arlington. We also show the kickoff time in your own timezone on this page, so you do not have to do the math yourself.
Who are England and Croatia, and who has the better World Cup history?
Both are European teams. This is England's 17th World Cup, and they won the trophy once, back in 1966. This is Croatia's 7th World Cup, and their best finish was runners-up in 2018.
What happened the last time England played Croatia?
They met in the semi-final at the 2018 World Cup. Croatia won 2-1 after extra time and went on to reach the final. That win knocked England out of the tournament.
What is at stake in this opening match?
This is the first game of Group L, so the winner takes an early lead in the race to reach the next round. A strong start makes the rest of the group easier, while a loss leaves you needing results fast.