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England prepares for World Cup opener against Croatia in Kansas City

The Guardian Sport • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 15, 2026, 4:00 AM

Last updated Jun 15, 2026

England prepares for World Cup opener against Croatia in Kansas City

Summary

England's national soccer team is gearing up for their opening match against Croatia on Wednesday. The team is currently in Kansas City, focusing on final preparations ahead of the matchup. Unlike previous tournaments, the players' partners are taking a low profile, with many choosing not to attend the group stage games. Only about half of the squad will reunite with their families in Dallas after this initial round.

Source Links

The Guardian Sport

By the Numbers

•England faces Croatia on Wednesday in the World Cup.
•Team is training in Kansas City for final preparations.
•Most players' partners opted out of attending group stage.
•Only half of Thomas Tuchel's squad will see families in Dallas.

Latest Updates

4:00 AMThe Guardian Sport — Where have all the Wags gone? England enjoy the calm of Kansas City World Cup camp

What they're saying

"
In a stark contrast to previous tournaments, and Baden-Baden in 2026 in particular, the players’ partners are set to keep a low profile while some may not travel at all The BBC is not the only World Cup institution to have stayed at home. As England make final preparations for their opening game of the tournament against Croatia on Wednesday, only around half of Thomas Tuchel’s squad can look forward to being reunited with their families in Dallas, with many having opted to skip the group stage. Continue reading...
— The Guardian Sportby Matt Hughes in Miami

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FC Dallas Sporting Kansas City MLS Soccer