England vs Croatia Live Score: World Cup 2026 Match Result, Updates & Highlights
England and Croatia kick off their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaigns against each other on Wednesday, June 17, in a Group L opener loaded with history. This is a rematch of the 2018 World Cup semi-final, the night Croatia came from behind to stun England and reach their first-ever final. Eight years on, Thomas Tuchel’s England arrive in Texas as one of the tournament’s leading contenders, while Zlatko Dalic’s experienced Croatia side is determined to prove the old rivalry still has bite.
Follow this page for the England vs Croatia live score, match result, lineups, and full coverage as the action unfolds at AT&T Stadium.
England vs Croatia: Match Overview
This Group L clash brings together two sides with a long, dramatic World Cup history. England head into the tournament as clear favourites on paper, but Croatia have reached the semi-finals in their last two World Cup appearances and rarely make things easy for stronger opponents. The group also features Ghana and Panama, so both teams know a strong start here matters heading into the rest of the group stage. It’s one of several blockbuster fixtures unfolding on the same day, with stars like Lionel Messi and Argentina also kicking off their own campaigns elsewhere in the tournament.
England’s build-up hasn’t been entirely smooth. The squad dealt with a storm delay before a pre-tournament friendly in Orlando, a kit mix-up in transit to their Kansas City base, and tornado warnings over the weekend before the match. Croatia, meanwhile, head into the game off the back of a below-par 2-0 friendly defeat to Belgium in Rijeka, though Dalic’s squad has the tournament experience to put that result behind them quickly.
Match Result: England Beat Croatia 4-2 in Group L Thriller
England opened their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with an entertaining 4-2 victory over Croatia at AT&T Stadium, earning three valuable points in Group L. The Three Lions made a fast start and took the lead through Harry Kane’s penalty in the 12th minute, but Croatia responded with a superb strike from Martin Baturina before Kane restored England’s advantage with a first-half header. Croatia struck again deep into stoppage time through Petar Musa, sending the teams into the break level at 2-2.
The second half belonged largely to England. Jude Bellingham fired Thomas Tuchel’s side back in front just two minutes after the restart, giving England control of the contest. Croatia continued to threaten through Ivan Perisic and their substitutes, but goalkeeper Jordan Pickford produced several important saves to preserve England’s lead. Marcus Rashford then sealed the victory in the 85th minute after being picked out by Bukayo Saka, completing a six-goal encounter and ensuring England began their World Cup journey with a statement win over one of the tournament’s most experienced sides. For the official record of the fixture, you can also check the FIFA World Cup 2026 match centre.
Date, Kick-off Time & Venue
The match takes place on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, one of the showcase venues for this year’s tournament. For full details on every host city and stadium across the US, Canada, and Mexico, see our complete guide to where the FIFA World Cup 2026 is being held.
Kick-off times by region:
- US ET: 4:00 PM
- US CT: 3:00 PM
- US PT: 1:00 PM
- UK (BST): 9:00 PM
- India (IST): 1:30 AM, Thursday June 18
- Australia (AEST): 6:00 AM, Thursday June 18
How to Watch: TV Channel & Live Stream
The match will be broadcast on FOX and Telemundo in the United States, ITV1 in the United Kingdom, Zee5 in India, and SBS in Australia. Streaming options include Fubo and Peacock for viewers in the US, alongside the official broadcasters’ own apps in each region.
Predicted Lineups & Starting XI
Both managers have named strong, experienced line-ups for the opener, though England go in with a slight injury concern over winger Bukayo Saka, who has been managing an Achilles issue in the build-up.
England Starting XI
Jordan Pickford; Reece James, John Stones, Marc Guehi, Nico O’Reilly; Elliot Anderson, Declan Rice; Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon; Harry Kane.
Captain Harry Kane leads the line as England’s all-time leading scorer, while Jude Bellingham provides the team’s biggest individual threat from midfield. Declan Rice anchors the base of the team, giving the back line protection against Croatia’s experienced attacking unit.
Croatia Starting XI
Dominik Livakovic; Josip Stanisic, Luka Vuskovic, Josip Sutalo, Josko Gvardiol, Ivan Perisic; Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic; Andrej Kramaric, Petar Sucic; Ante Budimir.
Luka Modric, now 40, continues to be the heartbeat of this Croatia side alongside Mateo Kovacic in midfield, with Josko Gvardiol offering pace and quality on the left side of defence.
Head-to-Head History: England vs Croatia
England and Croatia have met eleven times in their footballing history, with the Three Lions holding a clear edge: six wins to Croatia’s three, with two draws. This will be the fourth meeting between the two sides at a major tournament, following:
- UEFA EURO 2004 (group stage): England won 4-2, with an 18-year-old Wayne Rooney scoring twice
- 2018 FIFA World Cup (semi-final): Croatia won 2-1 in extra time, denying England a place in the final
- UEFA EURO 2020 (group stage): England won 1-0 thanks to a Raheem Sterling goal at Wembley
History favours England slightly, but Croatia’s run of strong tournament performances against bigger nations means nothing is guaranteed.
World Cup 2026 Group L Standings
Group L consists of England, Croatia, Ghana, and Panama, with matches running from June 17 to June 27, 2026. The top two finishers, and possibly the best third-placed team, will advance to the round of 32.
Player Ratings & Man of the Match
Jude Bellingham emerged as a leading contender for Man of the Match after scoring the decisive third goal and influencing the game throughout midfield, while Harry Kane contributed a goal and an assist in England’s opening victory.
Post-Match Reactions & Analysis
England’s attacking depth proved decisive, with substitutes Bukayo Saka, Morgan Rogers, and Marcus Rashford all making important contributions in the second half. Croatia showed their experience by twice fighting back into the match, but England’s quality in key moments ultimately made the difference.
FAQs
Who won the England vs Croatia World Cup 2026 match?
England defeated Croatia 4-2 in their Group L opener at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
What time does England vs Croatia kick off today?
The match kicks off at 4:00 PM ET / 9:00 PM UK time on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
What channel is England vs Croatia on?
The match airs on FOX and Telemundo in the US, ITV1 in the UK, Zee5 in India, and SBS in Australia.
What was the final score of England vs Croatia 2026?
England beat Croatia 4-2, with goals from Harry Kane (2), Jude Bellingham, and Marcus Rashford.
Who is playing in England’s starting lineup vs Croatia?
England’s starting XI is: Jordan Pickford; Reece James, John Stones, Marc Guehi, Nico O’Reilly; Elliot Anderson, Declan Rice; Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon; Harry Kane.
