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England to Face Croatia in 2026 World Cup Opener in Dallas

England and Croatia players on a football field with Dallas Stadium in background
England and Croatia players on a football field with Dallas Stadium in background
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England will face Croatia in the opening match of their 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage on June 17, 2026, at Dallas Stadium in Texas.

The match kicks off at 9 p. m.

local time and will be broadcast live on ITV1, with Mark Pougatch hosting coverage alongside analysts Roy Keane, Gary Neville, and Ian Wright.

This fixture renews a competitive rivalry between the two nations.

England defeated Croatia 1-0 in the Euro 2021 group stage, while Croatia beat England 2-1 in the 2018 World Cup semifinals.

Croatian captain Luka Modric is set to earn his 200th international cap during the tournament.

The 40-year-old midfielder remains a key figure in the squad alongside fellow veterans Ivan Perisic and Andrej Kramaric.

"I'd like to keep playing forever but there will probably be a time I'll have to hang up my boots," Modric said.

This will be Modric's fifth World Cup appearance, highlighting his enduring influence on the Croatian national team.

Other World Cup fixtures scheduled for the same day include Ghana versus Panama in Toronto, and Portugal led by Cristiano Ronaldo facing DR Congo in a Group K opener at Houston Stadium.

Viewers seeking alternative programming can watch property series "Location, Location, Location," historical documentary "Inside the Tower of London," or the Pride month broadcast of the 1979 drama "Only Connect."

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