England faces Croatia in World Cup 2026 opener

2 sources1 min read • Latest: Jun 17, 2026, 7:30 PM

Last updated Jun 17, 2026

England faces Croatia in World Cup 2026 opener
Summary

England is set to begin its World Cup 2026 campaign against Croatia at 3pm local time. This marks England's first match of the tournament on day seven of the event. The team, featuring a younger roster, faces a Croatian side with veteran experience, including captain Luka Modric. Both teams aim to make a strong start in this highly anticipated match.

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By the Numbers
  • Kick-off is scheduled for 3pm local time.
  • England's squad is younger, while Croatia features seasoned players.
  • Luka Modric continues to lead the Croatian team.
  • This match is part of the ongoing World Cup 2026.
Latest Updates
  • 7:30 PMYahoo SportsThe 2026 World Cup — Day 7
  • 6:00 PMThe Guardian SportEngland v Croatia: World Cup 2026 – live
What they're saying
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⚽️ Kick-off: 3pm local time/4pm EDT/9pm BST/6am AEST ⚽️ Player guide | Bracketology | Golden Boot | Email Scott It’s day seven of the 2026 World Cup, and finally England are on their way. They are Tom’s 26. Hear the roar, of the red, white and … ah who remembers that cheesy old song anyway? Point is, after an interminable wait, England are at long last getting down to business. Whether they’d have hand-picked Croatia as their first opponents is a moot point. On the one hand, England are a young and vibrant team, the sap rising, while most of Croatia’s first choice are in their 30s and their captain and talisman Luka Modric is now into his fifth decade. But on the other, this is a team that reached the final in 2018 and the semis last time round, and all of that Croatian experience has got to count for something. Continue reading...

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The first week of the 2026 World Cup ends with the last of the 48 national sides getting started, including Portugal and England.Jordan Pickford is expected to start in goal for the Three Lions, as he...

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