England Thrash Croatia 4-2 in World Cup 2026 Opener

England begin their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign in style, beating Croatia 4-2 to move to the top of Group L after the opening round of matches. Harry Kane struck twice, while Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford added second-half goals in an entertaining six-goal contest.

With England's job done, attention now shifts to the other Group L fixture between Ghana and Panama, which is currently underway and will complete the first set of group-stage matches.

England will next face Ghana in their second Group L match on Wednesday, June 24 (IST). The match is scheduled to kick off at 1:30 AM IST at Boston Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts. A second consecutive victory would put Thomas Tuchel's side in a commanding position to qualify for the Round of 32.

Croatia, meanwhile, will be looking to bounce back when they take on Panama in their next group-stage fixture as the battle for qualification begins to take shape.

England have their first win of the 2026 World Cup and it was thoroughly deserved.

Harry Kane starred with two first-half goals, while Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford struck after the break as England pulled away from Croatia in a hugely entertaining Group L clash. Croatia twice fought back to level the score in the opening half, but England took control after the restart and never really looked back.

The depth on display will particularly please Thomas Tuchel. Rashford, Bukayo Saka and Morgan Rogers all helped raise the tempo off the bench, while England continued to create chances throughout. There were a few defensive lapses, but going forward this England side looks capable of causing serious problems for anyone in the tournament.

England's substitutes make an immediate impact as Bukayo Saka feeds Marcus Rashford inside the box, and the forward does the rest. Rashford drives at his defender, creates the space and calmly fires home to extend England's lead.

With Morgan Rogers, Rashford and Saka all now involved, England suddenly look full of energy again. Croatia have been hanging on for much of this second half, and they now have a mountain to climb at 4-2 down.

England are piling on the pressure with 18 attempts before the hour mark, but Dominik Livaković is keeping Croatia alive.

It’s been a barrage in the box, he saves a Nico O’Reilly header, reacts again to deny Anthony Gordon on the rebound, then blocks an Ezri Konsa effort. Moments later, he keeps out back-to-back Harry Kane shots.

Declan Rice then tries his luck from distance, aiming for the far corner, but Livaković pushes it away for a corner. England dominant, but Croatia still hanging on.

What a start to the second half from England. Barely 90 seconds after the restart, Jude Bellingham bursts down the right, gets on the end of a move from the back, and smashes a finish across goal into the far corner.

Instant impact, instant lead change. Croatia are stunned again as England go 3-2 up in this thriller.

A wild first half in Dallas ends level at 2-2 between England and Croatia after two lead changes and a stoppage-time equaliser.

England edge expected goals at 1.36 to 0.43 and looked more dangerous in spells, with Harry Kane scoring twice to reach his 10th World Cup goal. Croatia, though, stayed efficient, keeping possession almost perfectly balanced at 50-50 and taking their chances when they came.

Stats at half-time show England with more shots (8-5) and shots on target (3-2), while Croatia matched them for goals and looked sharp in build-up phases. It’s finely poised heading into the second half after a messy, entertaining opening 45 minutes where both defences were exposed.

Croatia have equalised right at the end of the first half after a brilliant flowing move.

Ivan Perišić stays just onside and flicks a header into the path of Petar Musa, who finishes it with a powerful right-footed strike. England are stunned just before the break as Croatia make it 2-2 at half-time after a wild finish to the opening 45 minutes.

We’re back after the hydration break in Dallas. Croatia have the ball but don’t look settled at all.

Their shape is dropping into a back five without the ball, with Perišić helping out deep, but it’s leaving big gaps in midfield. England are just stepping into those spaces easily, with Kane dropping in and linking play. Right now, Croatia look a bit all over the place.

Drama early in the Group L opener as England are awarded a penalty after Luka Modrić brings down Noni Madueke inside the box. Harry Kane steps up at 10’, but his initial effort is saved by Dominik Livaković after a poor strike straight down the middle.

However, VAR intervenes as the goalkeeper is ruled off his line, and Kane is given a retake. At 12’, he makes no mistake, smashing the ball to the right as Livaković dives the wrong way. England lead 1-0 after a chaotic start at the World Cup.

Croatia XI: Dominik Livaković; Josip Šutalo, Luka Vušković, Joško Gvardiol; Josip Stanišić, Marcelo Brozović, Luka Modrić (captain), Mateo Kovačić, Ivan Perišić; Andrej Kramarić, Ante Rebić.

Croatia line up in a 3-5-2 formation for their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L opener against England, with Zlatko Dalić leaning on experience and tactical discipline. Captain Luka Modrić leads the side from midfield alongside Mateo Kovačić and Marcelo Brozović, forming a familiar and balanced core designed to control tempo and resist England’s attacking threats.

In defence, Dominik Livaković starts in goal behind a back three of Josip Šutalo, Luka Vušković and Joško Gvardiol. Ivan Perišić operates as a left wing-back with Josip Stanišić on the right, while Andrej Kramarić and Ante Rebić lead the attack.

England XI: Jordan Pickford; Reece James, Trevoh Chalobah, John Stones, Nico O’Reilly; Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson; Noni Madueke, Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon; Harry Kane.

Thomas Tuchel sets England up in a 4-2-3-1 formation for their FIFA World Cup 2026 opener against Croatia, with Jude Bellingham preferred at No.10 ahead of Morgan Rogers. The system is built around control in midfield and quick transitions in attack, with Rice and Anderson providing balance while Bellingham operates between the lines behind captain Harry Kane.

In defence, Pickford starts in goal behind a back four of Reece James, Trevoh Chalobah, John Stones and Nico O’Reilly, offering stability and progression from deep areas. Madueke and Gordon provide width and direct attacking threat, while Marcus Rashford and Bukayo Saka are named on the bench.