FIFA World Cup 2026
England vs Croatia is a Group L match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The match takes place at Dallas Stadium on Wednesday 17 June and starts at 22:00 Netherlands time.
Match overview
England vs Croatia is one of the strongest early fixtures of Group L. England arrive with high expectations and a squad expected to compete deep into the tournament.
Croatia bring major tournament experience and a recent World Cup history that includes a 2018 final appearance and a 2022 third-place finish. This opening match carries more weight because of the history between the two sides.
Group L
England enter the 2026 World Cup as one of the strongest European teams in the field, with recent experience of reaching the later stages of major tournaments.
Croatia have built one of the most impressive modern tournament records in international football, including a World Cup final in 2018 and a third-place finish in 2022.
Group L also includes Ghana and Panama. England vs Croatia could immediately shape the group because both teams will expect to compete for progression.
Why this match matters
England and Croatia are linked by one of England’s most painful recent World Cup memories: the 2018 semifinal, when Croatia won 2–1 after extra time and reached the final.
The 2026 meeting gives England a chance to begin Group L with a statement result, while Croatia have the opportunity to show again that their tournament experience still matters against the biggest football nations.
Lineups and team news
The official starting lineups for England vs Croatia will only be confirmed closer to kickoff. Any predicted lineups, injuries or tactical previews should be checked again on match day before being used.
For now, the stable information is the fixture itself: England vs Croatia, Group L, Wednesday 17 June, 22:00 Netherlands time.
Previous World Cup meeting
Croatia beat England 2–1 after extra time in the 2018 World Cup semifinal. It remains one of the defining England matches of the modern era.
That 2018 victory sent Croatia to its first World Cup final, where they finished as runners-up after losing to France.
The 2026 match gives the fixture a new World Cup chapter, this time as an opening Group L match at Dallas Stadium.
What to watch
England will likely aim to use tempo, attacking quality and physical intensity to start the tournament strongly. A fast opening performance could help control the match before Croatia settle.
Croatia’s route into the game may come through midfield control, patience, tournament experience and the ability to slow the tempo when pressure rises.
Watch at Sherlock Pub
Sherlock Pub will show England vs Croatia live in The Hague. For groups, reserving ahead is recommended.