Live Blog: England vs Croatia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup

England and Croatia face off in one of the most attractive matches of the opening round in Group L of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Rashford scores to seal the match with a brilliant move, and England lead 4-2

Hydration break in Dallas, England still lead 3-2

Jude Bellingham makes it 3-2 at the start of the second half

The second half is underway

We've reached halftime in this thriller of a match

Musa makes it 2-2 just before halftime and Croatia are level. We have a THRILLER on our hands

Harry Kane grabs his brace with a deadly header, and England lead 2-1

WHAT A GOAL from Croatia! Martin Baturina makes it 1-1

We've already passed the hydration break, and England still lead 1-0

At the second attempt, Kane converts and puts England ahead 1-0

Modrić concedes a penalty and Kane misses it, but it will be retaken

The match is underway in Dallas

The lineups

🏟️ When and Where

England will begin their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign against Croatia in a clash that promises intensity and excitement from the very first minute.

Match: England vs Croatia
FIFA World Cup 2026 – Group L
Time: 4:00 PM ET
Stadium: Dallas Stadium, Arlington

📺 How and Where to Watch England vs Croatia

beIN SPORTS will once again serve as an official broadcaster of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, bringing the excitement of the tournament to audiences across France and the MENA region with full coverage, analysis, news, and the biggest matches from the world’s most important football event.

Click here to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup on beIN SPORTS Connect

If you are outside these regions, here is the complete list of official broadcasters for the 2026 FIFA World Cup around the world.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 England's Preview

England arrive at the 2026 World Cup with one of the most talented squads in the tournament. Managed by Thomas Tuchel, the team has built a foundation that combines international experience with a new generation of players shining in Europe’s top leagues. The Three Lions enter the competition aiming to win their second World Cup title and move past recent disappointments in the decisive stages of major tournaments.

🇭🇷 Croatia's Preview

Croatia return to the World Cup backed by a generation that has established the Balkan nation as one of the most competitive teams in international football over the past decade. Runners-up in 2018 and semifinalists in 2022, the Croatian side maintains an identity built on tactical discipline, experience, and the technical quality of its midfield.

⭐ Players to Watch

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Harry Kane, the leader of England’s attack

Harry Kane will once again be England’s main attacking reference at the 2026 World Cup. The striker arrives as his nation’s all-time leading scorer and continues to possess an extraordinary ability to deliver in big matches. Beyond his goals, his experience and leadership make him a key figure in England’s ambitions.

🇭🇷 Luka Modrić, the legend who continues to guide Croatia

At 40 years old, Luka Modrić remains the greatest symbol of Croatian football. The midfielder enters another World Cup with the mission of leading a generation that has produced some of the most successful chapters in the history of the national team.

🎯 Final Analysis

Although England enter as favorites due to the depth of their squad, the individual quality of their stars, and the expectations surrounding them, Croatia have repeatedly shown that they know how to compete on the biggest stages. The experience of the Balkan side, combined with Luka Modrić’s leadership and a highly established tactical structure, makes this one of the most intriguing matches of the opening round. England will look to impose their attacking talent, but Croatia have more than enough tools to trouble any opponent and begin the World Cup with a positive result.