England players during a training session. (AFP)
Doha, Qatar: England and Croatia have crossed paths before on football’s biggest stage, and eight years after one of the most memorable nights in recent World Cup history, they meet again to open their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign.
When the two European sides walk onto the pitch at Dallas Stadium today, they will not simply be beginning another tournament. For England, it is another opportunity to finally end a wait for major international silverware that stretches back to 1966. For Croatia, it is another chance to prove that their remarkable World Cup success is no coincidence.
Memories of Moscow in 2018 remain impossible to ignore. England looked destined for a first World Cup final in 52 years when Kieran Trippier curled home an early free-kick in the semi-final against Croatia. But the momentum gradually shifted as Ivan Perisic brought Croatia level, before Mario Mandzukic’s extra-time winner sent them into their first-ever World Cup final.
That defeat ultimately became a turning point rather than a setback for England. Since then, the Three Lions have established themselves as regular contenders, reaching consecutive European Championship finals and the quarter-finals of the World Cup in Qatar. Yet despite consistently going deep into tournaments, the elusive trophy remains out of reach.
Thomas Tuchel is now tasked with ending six decades of frustration. The German arrives with an impressive track record, having won league titles across Europe and guided Chelsea to UEFA Champions League glory.
Croatia’s midfielder Luka Modric attends a training session.
England captain and all-time leading scorer Harry Kane remains the focal point of their attack, but his role now extends far beyond simply finding the back of the net. Kane’s movement and ability to link play will be vital as England look to create opportunities for the likes of Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka.
A nation of fewer than four million people, Croatia have become one of the most consistent World Cup performers of the modern era. Runners-up in Russia in 2018 and third-place finishers in Qatar four years later, they are one of only two countries to win medals at each of the last two World Cups.
Yet questions continue to surround Zlatko Dalic’s side, particularly regarding the age of some of their key players.
At 40, Luka Modric remains the heartbeat of Croatia’s national team and continues to dictate matches with intelligence rather than speed. Alongside Mateo Kovacic, he will once again be tasked with controlling the tempo and frustrating England’s energetic midfield.
The battle in the centre of the pitch could ultimately define the contest. Declan Rice and Bellingham will look to impose England’s physicality and intensity, while Modric and Kovacic will attempt to slow the game down and force England to be patient.
With Ghana and Panama completing Group L, neither side can afford an early stumble. A victory would immediately place one foot in the knockout stages and provide crucial breathing space ahead of two potentially tricky fixtures.
History offers England a slight advantage. The two nations have met 9 times, with England winning five, Croatia three and one ending in a draw. Yet their recent encounters have often been tightly contested.
In Dallas, two familiar opponents meet once more, each carrying unfinished ambitions and aware that there is little room for error. For England, it is another chance to chase history. For Croatia, it is another opportunity to extend an extraordinary era. Whatever the outcome, the World Cup begins here for both England and Croatia.
