England and Croatia meet today, June 17, 2026 [1], for their opening group-stage match of the FIFA World Cup in the U.S. [2].
This match is critical because it sets the early momentum for both teams in Group L [3]. A victory in the opening game often determines which teams advance from the group stage to the knockout rounds of the tournament.
Croatia enters the competition as a seasoned contender, having qualified for the FIFA World Cup seven times [4]. The squad brings a wealth of experience to the U.S., including a history that saw the team reach the final in 2018 [5]. For this campaign, Croatia has named a roster of 26 players [6].
Luka Modric continues to lead an experienced squad as they prepare to face England [3]. The match serves as the first major test for both teams' tactical preparations under the pressure of a World Cup opener.
England arrives in the U.S. looking to navigate the challenges of Group L [3]. The matchup against Croatia is expected to be a high-stakes encounter given the recent history, and competitive standing of both national teams.
Both nations are fighting for a top position in the group to ensure a more favorable path in the later stages of the tournament. The match takes place on Wednesday, marking the official start of the campaign for both sides [1, 2].
“Croatia has qualified for the FIFA World Cup seven times.”
This opening match is a litmus test for two of Europe's most consistent performers. For Croatia, the result determines if their veteran-heavy squad can still compete at the highest level. For England, the game is about establishing dominance in Group L to avoid a precarious struggle for qualification in the final group matches.
