England to face Croatia in World Cup 2026 opener

England open the 2026 World Cup against Croatia on Wednesday 17 June.

The match will be played at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, with a 4 pm ET (9 pm BST) kick‑off.

The venue is also the home of the Dallas Cowboys NFL franchise.

British viewers can watch the game on ITV 1 and ITV X.

England are coached by Thomas Tuchel and led on the pitch by captain Harry Kane.

Croatia enter the group with veteran midfielder Luka Modric steering their side.

England’s final warm‑up before the tournament is a friendly versus Costa Rica on the eve of the World Cup.

England qualified unbeaten and will also meet Ghana and Panama in Group C.

The Three Lions previously met Croatia in the 2018 World Cup semi‑final.

Harry Kane scored in England’s pre‑World Cup friendly win over New Zealand in Tampa, Florida.

England’s group matches are scheduled at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough and MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford.

The tournament features 48 teams, an expansion from previous editions.

England are targeting a second men’s international trophy after runner‑up finishes at Euro 2020 and Euro 2024.