England and Croatia Open 2026 World Cup at AT&T Stadium — England Game Today

England game today opened at AT&T Stadium in Arlington with a familiar opponent on the other side, as England and Croatia began their 2026 World Cup campaigns. Thomas Tuchel wanted a winning start in his first major test since taking charge, with Group L positioning already in view.

The meeting renewed a rivalry that has gone back four times over the previous eight years. England had the edge in the latest phase, unbeaten in the last three duels and 1–0 winners against Croatia at Euro 2020.

Tuchel and Group L

Wednesday's match carried extra weight for Tuchel because it was the first major test of his 18-month tenure. England and Croatia were both described as genuine contenders for the crown, and both knew progression was all but certain unless they suffered an almighty shock.

A draw on Wednesday, paired with a victory in one of the remaining two games against Panama and Ghana, would almost certainly be enough to reach the next round. That leaves the battle for first place alive from the start, and both sides wanted top spot in Group L.

England's Recent Edge

The history between these teams is balanced by different peaks. Croatia beat England in the 2018 World Cup semifinal before losing to France in the final, while England answered later by taking the most recent meeting 1–0 at Euro 2020.

That is the sharpest reason this opening match mattered. England were not just chasing points; they were trying to extend a useful run against a team that had already knocked them out at the 2018 World Cup semifinal and then lost ground in the latest duel.

Arlington and the Last 32

Finishing first in Group L would give either side a more palatable last 32 tie, so the opener was about more than avoiding a slip. The early table shape could decide whether England and Croatia spend the rest of the group phase protecting position or chasing it.