FIFA World Cup 2026: England vs Croatia Match Preview

The spotlight falls on Arlington as England national football team begin their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign against familiar rivals Croatia national football team in what promises to be one of the standout fixtures of the opening round.

England continue their pursuit of a first senior World Cup title since 1966. While the nation's youth teams lifted both the Under-17 and Under-20 World Cups in 2017, success at senior level has remained elusive despite reaching the semi-finals in 2018 and consistently competing among the world's elite.

Thomas Tuchel's side booked their place at the 2026 tournament in dominant fashion, becoming the first UEFA nation to qualify after winning all eight qualifying matches without conceding a single goal. However, recent performances have raised concerns. England failed to defeat Uruguay and Japan in March friendlies, suffering a historic first-ever defeat against Asian opposition, before needing a Harry Kane goal to overcome New Zealand.

The Three Lions regained momentum in their final warm-up match with a comfortable victory over Costa Rica and will be confident of making a positive start. England have lost just one of their last eight World Cup opening matches, winning four and drawing three during that period.

Standing in their way is a Croatia side that has built a reputation for excelling on football's biggest stage. The Vatreni finished runners-up at the 2018 World Cup and secured third place in Qatar four years later, establishing themselves as one of the most resilient tournament teams in modern football.

Despite their impressive pedigree, Croatia arrive with a point to prove after a disappointing Euro 2024 campaign that saw them exit in the group stage without a victory. Zlatko Dalic's men responded well in qualification, dropping just two points in eight matches to comfortably top their group and secure another World Cup appearance.

Recent friendly results have been mixed, with defeats to Brazil and Belgium followed by a dramatic 2-1 victory over Slovenia thanks to Mario Pasalic's late winner. Croatia will also draw confidence from their memorable 2018 World Cup semi-final victory over England, when Mario Mandzukic's extra-time strike sent them into the final.

Team News

England

England could be without fully fit winger Bukayo Saka after recent fitness concerns, and manager Thomas Tuchel may choose not to risk the Arsenal star from the start.

Noni Madueke is expected to feature on the right flank, while Anthony Gordon could start on the opposite side. Jude Bellingham is likely to operate in the attacking midfield role behind captain Harry Kane.

England have also suffered a setback with Tino Livramento withdrawing through injury, leading to the inclusion of Trevoh Chalobah. Reece James is expected to start at right-back.

Croatia

Croatia head into the contest with a fully fit squad and plenty of experience.

Veteran stars Luka Modric and Ivan Perisic remain key figures, while Hoffenheim forward Andrej Kramaric offers creativity and goals.

There is also growing excitement around Luka Vuskovic, who is expected to partner Josko Gvardiol in a three-man defence. MLS-based striker Petar Musa could be rewarded with a starting berth after an excellent goalscoring season.

Recent Form

England (all competitions):
W – W – D – L – W – W

Croatia (all competitions):
W – W – W – L – L – W

Prediction

This fixture has all the ingredients of a classic World Cup encounter. England possess greater attacking depth and arguably enter the tournament with a stronger overall squad, but Croatia's tournament experience and ability to perform in high-pressure matches should not be underestimated.

The midfield battle between Bellingham, Rice, Modric, and Kovacic could determine the outcome. England may create more chances, but Croatia's resilience makes them difficult opponents to break down.

Prediction: England 2-1 Croatia

A tightly contested affair is expected, with England's superior firepower ultimately proving decisive in their opening Group-stage match.