England defeated Croatia 4-2 in their 2026 FIFA World Cup opener on June 17 in Dallas, with Harry Kane scoring twice. Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford netted in the second half after the Three Lions had to come from behind twice before the interval, the Emirates News Agency reported. The win gives them an early edge in Group L.
The contest began with England awarded a penalty in the 12th minute after Noni Madueke was fouled by Luka Modric. Kane converted the twice-taken spot-kick for the opening goal, according to a FIFA match report. Croatia equalised in the 36th minute when Martin Baturina curled in a strike assisted by Mateo Kovacic. Kane headed his side back in front from a Declan Rice corner in the 42nd minute, yet Petar Musa volleyed home in first-half stoppage time to leave the score 2-2 at the break.
England improved markedly after the interval and Bellingham restored the lead within two minutes of the restart by driving low into the net. Substitute Marcus Rashford added a fourth goal in the 85th minute after latching onto a Bukayo Saka pass, FIFA figures show. Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic produced several important saves but could not stop the defeat. The result marks England’s third successive victory in a World Cup opening fixture.
Harry Kane told ITV the first half had been a struggle but the second half felt emotional after his brace took him level with Gary Lineker on 10 World Cup goals for England. Manager Thomas Tuchel described the opening period as nervy while praising the intensity his players showed thereafter. Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic admitted to HRT that his team’s second-half display was poor as they were undone by set pieces and long balls.
The match took place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, one of multiple venues for the 2026 tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. Group L also features Ghana, whom England face in their next fixture. The two nations previously met at the 2018 World Cup semi-final, which Croatia won 2-1 after extra time, historical tournament records show.
Statistics from the game indicated England improved their duel-winning rate significantly in the second half after a more even first period. The six-goal contest provided an entertaining start to Group L play for spectators and a global audience. Both sides will now prepare for the remainder of the group stage with England sitting top of the standings on three points.
