Petar Musa scored for Croatia to bring a World Cup group-stage match against England to a 2-2 tie [1].
The goal is significant because it kept Croatia in contention during the group stage of the tournament. Musa, who plays for FC Dallas in the U.S., achieved a personal milestone by scoring his first World Cup goal [3].
The match took place June 17, 2026 [4], at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas [2]. The equalizer shifted the momentum of the contest, allowing Croatia to recover from a deficit to reach a 2-2 scoreline [1].
Musa has become a prominent figure for both his national team and his club since moving to the U.S. league. Since joining FC Dallas in 2025, he has scored 46 goals [3]. This clinical form in the Major League Soccer circuit has translated to the international stage during the current World Cup cycle.
Croatian officials and fans said the performance was a critical step in navigating the high-pressure environment of the group stages. The match in Arlington provided a homecoming of sorts for Musa, as he performed in the same city where he plays his club soccer [2].
While the match ended in a draw, the result ensures that Croatia remains competitive in the standings. The ability to find an equalizer against a powerhouse like England demonstrates the team's resilience in the tournament.
“Petar Musa scored for Croatia to bring a World Cup group-stage match against England to a 2-2 tie”
The result highlights the growing influence of MLS players on the global stage. Musa's ability to perform under pressure in his home club's stadium underscores the importance of player confidence and familiarity with the venue, while the draw maintains Croatia's viability for advancement in the tournament.
