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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Matt Verri

England World Cup 2026 opening game kit confirmed as decision made amid colour clash

England launch their World Cup campaign tonight when they face Croatia in Dallas.

Almost a week on from the start of the tournament, Thomas Tuchel's side face their toughest Group L test against the side they lost to in the 2018 World Cup semi-finals.

England have been forced into a late change to their squad after Tino Livramento was ruled out for the rest of the summer due to injury.

Trevoh Chalobah has been called up and he will join up with his team-mates after the match with Croatia.

England are officially 'Team A' for the match in Dallas and as a result will be in their home kit.

Four years ago the home kit had blue on the shoulders and around the neck but it is more of a traditional strip this time.

It is primarily all-white with navy trim and some red details, including the numbers. Jordan Pickford in goal will be wearing yellow.

Croatia will be in their away kit tonight. That is an all-blue strip, with their goalkeeper in magenta.

There is less jeopardy in terms of qualification than in previous World Cups, with 32 of the 48 teams progressing into the knockout stages.

However, England will be keen to make a strong start against Croatia and set themselves up to finish top of the group.

Doing so would secure a last-32 tie against one of the third placed-teams. Finishing second, however, would mean a showdown with the runner-up from Group K.

That would likely be one of Portugal or Colombia, with Spain potentially then waiting in the last-16.

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