England will face Croatia in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Wednesday evening, June 17. The Group L fixture is scheduled for a 9pm start in the UK, with live coverage on ITV1. Fans in the UK can stream the match via ITVX or follow updates on the official England Football app. In the United States, the English-language broadcast begins at 4pm ET (3pm CT) on FOX, while Spanish-language commentary is available on Telemundo. US viewers can stream via the FOX One app, Fubo, YouTube TV, or Peacock for Spanish coverage.
Team News and Selection Headaches
England manager Thomas Tuchel faces tough decisions in attacking midfield and wide areas. Marcus Rashford and Anthony Gordon are competing for the left-wing spot, while Morgan Rogers and Jude Bellingham vie for the No. 10 role. In defense, Tuchel must choose two from John Stones, Ezri Konsa, and Marc Guehi. Captain Harry Kane is fully fit and will lead the attack, aiming for a strong start in his third consecutive World Cup.
Croatia manager Zlatko Dalić is considering a surprise selection, potentially starting FC Dallas striker Petar Musa ahead of veteran Andrej Kramarić. Veteran captain Luka Modrić, aged 40, is expected to control midfield, making his historic fifth World Cup appearance.
Head-to-Head and World Cup History
The two sides have met 11 times previously, with England winning six, Croatia three, and two draws. Their World Cup history includes Croatia's 2-1 extra-time victory in the 2018 semi-final, while England secured a 1-0 win in the Euro 2020 group stage. This match at Dallas Stadium marks their fourth meeting at a major tournament.
How to Watch and Upgrade Your Setup
For the best viewing experience, Sky is offering 20% off its Glass TVs until June 17, starting from £4.50 per month with a Sky TV and Netflix package. This offer is ideal for football fans wanting to enhance their World Cup viewing.
