Preview: England vs Croatia prediction, odds, where to watch, time | FIFA World Cup 2026

Can the Three Lions avenge their 2018 World Cup semi-final defeat against Croatia in Dallas?

Positioned directly within the Metroplex’s massive urban sprawl, the Dallas Stadium (AT&T Stadium) in Arlington, USA, gears up to host a highly anticipated Group L fixture in the FIFA World Cup 2026, where European heavyweights and former finalists Croatia take on a star-studded England side.

England have had too many near-miss moments in recent years, coming agonisingly close to winning the Euros in recent editions and reaching the quarterfinals of the FIFA World Cup 2022. 

German gaffer Tuchel will be keen to end England’s long 60-year wait and bring back the FIFA World Cup trophy home. After all, he has previously led an English team to UEFA Champions League glory and knows how to win trophies.

Revenge will be on the cards for England, who almost made it to the finals of the FIFA World Cup 2018 before Croatia handed them a semi-final defeat in extra time.

Croatia are one of the only two teams to win back to back medals in the last two editions of the FIFA World Cup. Despite their excellent track record in the World Cup, many do not consider them as a serious contender due to their aging squad.

But time and again, the Croatians have defied all odds to go and show the world their strength. They are led by Zlatko Dalic, a familiar face in the Croatian dugout who propelled his side to back to back semis.

World Cups have a habit of producing unforgettable moments, and this encounter has all the ingredients to be another memorable chapter. With talented players spread across the pitch and little room for error, fans can expect an entertaining battle between two teams eager to make their mark in the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Also Read: FIFA World Cup 2026 Full Fixtures, Schedule, Results, Match Timings & Where to Watch

Kick-off:

• Location: Arlington, Texas, USA
• Stadium: Dallas Stadium (AT&T Stadium)
• Date: Wednesday, June 17
• Kick-off time: 9 p.m. BST [1:30 a.m. IST, Thursday, June 18 / 3 p.m. local CDT]
• Referee: TBD
• VAR: In use

Form:

England (in all competitions): W-D-L-W-W

Croatia (in all competitions): W-W-L-L-W

Players to Watch

Jude Bellingham (England)

England’s second-youngest World Cup goalscorer in history behind Michael Owen, Jude Bellingham was the major reason why England saved themselves from a big upset in the knockouts after his bicycle goal against Slovakia in the Round of 16.

Despite another trophyless season in Bernabeu, Bellingham had a productive spell for the Los Blancos, making 15 goal contributions in over 40 games for Real Madrid.

He is the creative engine of the team and Bellingham’s most devastating trait is his timing. He will be one of the key players to watch out for England in the next match.

Josko Gvardiol (Croatia)

One of the most expensive defenders of all time, Gvardiol is coming after delivering two domestic trophies with Manchester City after winning the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup.

From almost quitting football entirely to assist his father in selling fresh fish at a local outdoor market in Zagreb to being the defensive heartbeat of his nation at the World Cup, Gvardiol has come a long way and this is just the beginning.

He will face a star-studded English attacking lineup, and he will be tasked with the responsibility to keep a clean sheet against England in the next game.

Match Facts

• England are unbeaten against Croatia in the last three games.
• The last time these two sides met at FIFA World Cup was back in 2018 semis when Croatia won 2-1
• Frank Lampard is the leading goalscorer in this fixture.

England vs Croatia: Betting Tips and Odds

• England to win the game – 8/11 with Betfred
• Harry Kane to score – 6/5 with Betfred
• England 3-1 Croatia – 14/1 with Betfred

Injury and Team News

England World Cup squad

Bukayo Saka’s fitness is a big concern for Tuchel and he might prefer Noni Madueke instead. It will be interesting to see whether Tuchel opts Rashford over Gordon.

Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), James Trafford (Manchester City)

Defenders: Reece James (Chelsea), Tino Livramento (Newcastle), Marc Guehi (Manchester City), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), John Stones (Manchester City), Jarell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen), Nico O’Reilly (Manchester City), Dan Burn (Newcastle), Djed Spence (Tottenham Hotspur)

Midfielders: Declan Rice (Arsenal), Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal)

Forwards: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Ivan Toney (Al-Ahli), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Noni Madueke (Arsenal), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona, on loan from Manchester United), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle)

Croatia World Cup squad

Croatia will have a fully fit and available side for the next game, including their captain Luka Modric and Ivan Perisic, who had a terrific campaign for PSV.

Goalkeepers: Dominik Livaković (Dinamo), Dominik Kotarski (Copenhagen), Ivor Pandur (Hull City)

Defenders: Joško Gvardiol (Manchester City), Duje Ćaleta-Car (Real Sociedad), Josip Šutalo (Ajax), Josip Stanišić (Bayern Munich), Marin Pongračić (Fiorentina), Martin Erlić (Midtjylland), Luka Vušković (Hamburger SV)

Midfielders: Luka Modrić (Milan), Mateo Kovačić (Manchester City), Mario Pašalić (Atalanta), Nikola Vlašić (Torino), Luka Sučić (Real Sociedad), Martin Baturina (Como), Kristijan Jakić (Augsburg), Petar Sučić (Inter), Nikola Moro (Bologna), Toni Fruk (Rijeka)

Forwards: Ivan Perišić (PSV Eindhoven), Andrej Kramarić (Hoffenheim), Ante Budimir (Osasuna), Marco Pašalić (Orlando City), Petar Musa (FC Dallas), Igor Matanović (Freiburg)

Head-to-Head

Total games: 11

England won: 06

Croatia won: 03

Games drawn: 02

Predicted Lineups

England predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)

Jordan Pickford (GK); Reece James, Ezri Konsa, John Stones, Nico O’Reilly; Elliot Anderson, Declan Rice; Noni Madueke, Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon; Harry Kane.

Croatia predicted lineup (4-3-3)

Dominik Livakovic (GK); Josip Stanisic, Joško Gvardiol, Luka Vušković, Josip Šutalo; Mateo Kovacic, Luka Modric, Martin Baturina; Ivan Perisic, Luka Sucic, Petar Musa.

Match Prediction

Croatia’s last World Cup form have been amazing, clinching back-to-back medals in the last edition. But England have a star-studded squad led by a champion coach, who knows how to win trophies. We expect the Three Lions to win the next game.

Prediction: England 3-1 Croatia

Telecast Details

India: Unite8 Sports Channels, ZEE5,

UK: BBC & ITV

USA: FOX Sports

Nigeria: DStv, GOtv

Full Broadcaster List here.

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