England and Croatia launch Group L at the FIFA World Cup 2026 in one of the most anticipated opening fixtures of the tournament, renewing a rivalry that has produced some of the most memorable moments in recent World Cup history. The meeting in Texas arrives eight years after Croatia's dramatic extra-time victory over England in the 2018 FIFA World Cup semi-final, a result that sent the Vatreni to their first-ever World Cup final and left the Three Lions waiting even longer for a return to football's biggest stage.
England's Strong Form Under Thomas Tuchel
England enter the tournament as one of the favourites under Thomas Tuchel, who became the national team's manager in January 2025 following Gareth Southgate's departure. Ranked fourth in the FIFA world rankings, England arrive unbeaten in competitive matches since October 2024 and qualified in emphatic fashion, winning all six of their World Cup qualifying matches without conceding a goal. Led by captain Harry Kane and supported by a squad featuring Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and Anthony Gordon, the Three Lions are chasing a first World Cup title since their historic triumph in 1966.
Croatia's Resilience and Tournament Pedigree
Croatia, meanwhile, continue to defy expectations despite a population of fewer than four million people. Under Zlatko Dalić, who has overseen one of the most successful periods in Croatian football history, the 2018 runners-up and 2022 third-place finishers arrive unbeaten from qualifying after winning seven matches and drawing one. Veteran captain Luka Modrić remains the heartbeat of the side as Croatia attempt to reach the latter stages of a third consecutive World Cup.
Key Players to Watch
Harry Kane, England's captain and all-time leading scorer, is expected to start after another prolific season with Bayern Munich. Jude Bellingham continues to establish himself as one of the world's premier midfielders, while Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and Anthony Gordon add quality across the pitch. For Croatia, Luka Modrić makes his fifth World Cup appearance at age 40, supported by experienced figures such as Ivan Perišić, Joško Gvardiol, Mateo Kovačić and Josip Stanišić, alongside emerging talents Martin Baturina and Petar Sučić.
Group L Dynamics
With Ghana and Panama also competing in Group L, both England and Croatia recognise the value of beginning their campaign with three points. For England, victory would reinforce their credentials as genuine contenders. For Croatia, another positive result against elite opposition would further strengthen a remarkable World Cup legacy that continues to exceed expectations.
Match Preview and Significance
The fixture carries extra intrigue given their memorable meeting in the 2018 World Cup semi-finals, when Croatia came from behind to win in extra time and reach their first final. Eight years later, both nations arrive with fresh squads but similar ambitions. England seek to underline their credentials as genuine title contenders, while Croatia once again aim to prove that experience, resilience and tournament pedigree can overcome the odds.
