England begin their 2026 World Cup campaign against Croatia in Dallas, with Thomas Tuchel’s side carrying a flawless qualifying record into Group L.
England begin their 2026 World Cup campaign on Wednesday evening in Dallas against Croatia, a first-week Group L meeting with the feel of a high-stakes test for Thomas Tuchel’s side.
Varzesh3 reports that England arrive with a commanding qualifying record: eight wins from eight matches, 22 goals scored and none conceded. That form has raised expectations around a squad Tuchel has openly framed as capable of ending England’s long wait for a second World Cup title, dating back to 1966.
The matchup also carries recent history. Since Croatia beat England after extra time in the 2018 World Cup semifinal, England have not lost to Croatia in their last three meetings across competitions, according to the report. England have also avoided defeat against European opposition since the end of Euro 2024.
Still, Tuchel’s approach has brought risk as well as clarity. His decision to leave out high-profile names including Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold is described as a major gamble, especially after March friendlies against Japan and Uruguay ended in draws and cooled some of the early excitement around the team.
England’s attack is expected to revolve around Harry Kane, who has scored eight goals across the last two World Cups. With Tino Livramento injured and Bukayo Saka not fully ready, Reece James is reported as a likely starter. England may also look to use the pace and physical edge of players such as Anthony Gordon or Marcus Rashford against an older Croatian back line.
Croatia, meanwhile, remain defined by the experience of a generation that has repeatedly performed on the World Cup stage. Luka Modric, 40, Ivan Perisic, 37, Ivan Kramaric, 34, and Mateo Kovacic, 32, are still central figures, while striker Petar Musa of FC Dallas is identified as a key attacking hope in a stadium he knows well.
The stakes are straightforward. With Ghana and Panama next on the group schedule for both teams, a win in Dallas would put either England or Croatia in a strong position to top Group L and improve their path into the knockout rounds.
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