England begin their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a high-profile Group L clash against Croatia at AT&T Stadium in Arlington on Thursday, as two of Europe's perennial contenders renew a rivalry that has produced some memorable World Cup moments.
The Three Lions head into the tournament after an impressive qualifying campaign under Thomas Tuchel, winning all of their matches while conceding just one goal and keeping eight clean sheets. However, successive friendly defeats to Uruguay and Japan have raised a few questions over their form heading into the competition.
Croatia, meanwhile, continue to defy expectations on the biggest stage. Zlatko Dalic's side comfortably secured qualification by winning seven of their eight group games and will be aiming for another deep run after reaching the semi-finals in each of the last two World Cups.
The fixture also revives memories of Croatia's dramatic extra-time victory over England in the 2018 World Cup semi-final—a result that denied the Three Lions a first final appearance since 1966. England will be eager to settle old scores, while Croatia will be looking to once again prove why they thrive under tournament pressure.
How to watch England vs Croatia live in India
The FIFA World Cup 2026 match between England and Croatia will be live streamed on the Zee5 app and website in India with a valid subscription.
The match will also be telecast live on Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2, and Unite8 Sports 2 HD.
Match details
Date: Thursday, June 18
Kick-off: 1:30 AM IST
Venue: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
Referee: Clément Turpin
Squads
England: Jordan Pickford, Dean Henderson, James Trafford, Ezri Konsa, Nico O'Reilly, John Stones, Marc Guéhi, Tino Livramento, Dan Burn, Reece James, Djed Spence, Jarell Quansah, Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson, Jude Bellingham, Jordan Henderson, Kobbie Mainoo, Morgan Rogers, Eberechi Eze, Bukayo Saka, Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Gordon, Ollie Watkins, Noni Madueke, Ivan Toney.
Croatia: Dominik Livakovic, Ivor Pandur, Dominik Kotarski, Josip Stanisic, Marin Pongracic, Josko Gvardiol, Duje Caleta-Car, Josip Sutalo, Luka Vuskovic, Martin Erlic, Nikola Moro, Mateo Kovacic, Luka Modric, Nikola Vlasic, Mario Pasalic, Martin Baturina, Petar Sucic, Kristijan Jakic, Toni Fruk, Luka Sucic, Andrej Kramaric, Ante Budimir, Ivan Perisic, Igor Matanovic, Marco Pasalic, Petar Musa.
