England-Croatia: everything you need to know about the 2026 World Cup clash in Dallas
By OnzeActu · · 2 min read
The England team begins its 2026 World Cup campaign against an experienced Croatian selection in Dallas. Between the promises of the English youth and the experience on the Croatian side, the meeting promises to be contested.
England launch their quest for the world title this Wednesday, June 17 at 9 p.m. (French time), against Croatia, at the AT&T Stadium in Dallas. Under the leadership of Thomas Tuchel, the Three Lions arrive in the competition on the strength of their flawless run during the qualifiers (eight victories in eight matches) and a fourth place in the FIFA world rankings.
Still in search of a first major trophy since 1966, Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and their teammates want to seize their chance after the disillusionment of Euro 2024 and the missed final at Wembley.
On the Croatian side, the iconic Luka Modric (40 years old) continues to lead the way for his fifth World Cup. After a good semi-final in 2022 and a final in Russia in 2018, Croatia is still aiming for the heights with an experienced group, where Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic (Manchester City) should be there despite seasons disrupted by injuries.
Group L: crucial duel from the start England and Croatia play in Group L, alongside Ghana and Panama, and know the importance of starting the tournament well.
Image
Probable compositions England: Pickford – James, Konsa, Guehi, O’Reilly – Anderson, Rice, Bellingham – Gordon, Saka (or Madueke), Kane. Croatia: Livakovic – Sutalo, Vuskovic, Gvardiol – Stanisic, Modric, Kovacic, Perisic – Sucic, Baturina – Musa.
The uncertainties concern in particular Bukayo Saka, uncertain, who could give way to Noni Madueke, and the central defense where competition is raging. Among the Croats, Zlatko Dalic has his entire squad at his disposal.
Broadcast: where to watch the match? The match will be broadcast live and unencrypted in the United Kingdom on ITV1, ITV X and STV. For the French public, you will have to wait for the announcement from the official broadcasters, generally TF1 or beIN Sports for the major World Cup posters.
Bookmaker odds British sites place England as favorite (1.75), the draw is 3.8 and Croatia's victory is 5.4.
The stakes are clear: a victory would ideally launch the journey of one or the other nation in this North American World Cup.