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Croatia
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Croatia

Croatian national team plays England on 17 June in Arlington, Texas; one of the 2026 tournament's marquee opening-round ties.

Last refreshed: 19 April 2026 · Appears in 1 active topic

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Common Questions
Who does Croatia play first at the 2026 World Cup?
Croatia face England on 17 June 2026 in Arlington, Texas — a rematch of the 2018 World Cup semi-final that Croatia won to reach the final.Source: FIFA
What is Croatia's best World Cup finish?
Croatia reached the World Cup final in 2018, losing to France, and finished third in 2022. Their Golden generation, built around Luka Modrić, made them one of Europe's most consistent tournament sides.Source: FIFA
Is Luka Modrić playing in the 2026 World Cup for Croatia?
Modrić, who will be 40 during the 2026 tournament, is expected to be in Croatia's squad for what would likely be his farewell World Cup appearance. He remains Croatia's most decorated player.Source: Croatian Football Federation / sports media

Background

Croatia face England on 17 June 2026 in Arlington, Texas, in one of the tournament's higher-profile early fixtures. England's preliminary 55-player list must reach Thomas Tuchel by 11 May; the final 26 is submitted by 30 May and announced 1 June.

Croatia reached the 2018 World Cup final and finished third in 2022. Luka Modrić, now 40, is expected to be in the squad for a likely farewell tournament. The Croatia v England group fixture is a rematch of their 2018 World Cup semi-final, which Croatia won to advance to the final.