The wait is over. World Cup 2026 kicks off for England as they face old foes Croatia in a blockbuster Group L opener at Dallas Stadium. Kick-off is at 3 p. m. local time (4 p. m. EDT, 9 p. m. BST, 6 a. m. AEST), with temperatures expected to soar above 33°C, though the retractable roof and air conditioning will keep conditions comfortable for the 70,000-capacity crowd.
England manager Thomas Tuchel has made some bold selection calls, as confirmed by early team news. Jude Bellingham will start in the No.10 role, flanked by Anthony Gordon and Noni Madueke, with Madueke getting the nod over an injured Bukayo Saka, who has been nursing an Achilles problem. In central defence, Ezri Konsa partners John Stones ahead of Marc Guehi.
Quick Facts
Fixture: England vs Croatia
Competition: World Cup 2026 – Group L
Venue: Dallas Stadium, Arlington, Texas
Kick-off: 3 p. m. local time / 4 p. m. EDT / 9 p. m. BST / 6 a. m. AEST (June 18)
Attendance: 70,000 (sold out)
Referee: TBC
Team News
Tuchel’s decision to start Jude Bellingham as the creative hub was widely expected, with the Real Madrid star central to England’s plans. The surprise is Noni Madueke on the right wing, keeping Bukayo Saka on the bench following a late fitness test. Saka is available but not risked from the start due to a lingering Achilles issue. Anthony Gordon’s pace on the left adds balance.
Defensively, Ezri Konsa gets the nod over Marc Guehi, offering extra recovery speed against a wily Croatia attack likely led by veteran forward Ante Budimir. Croatia’s official lineup has not yet been released, but all eyes will be on midfield maestro Luka Modric, who at 40 is likely playing his final World Cup.
How to Watch
Broadcaster and streaming details for England vs Croatia vary by region and have not been officially confirmed at the time of writing. In the UK, World Cup rights are typically shared by the BBC and ITV; however, specific channel assignments for this fixture are yet to be announced. US viewers can expect coverage on Fox Sports and Telemundo, but check local listings. For other territories, please refer to FIFA’s official broadcast guide. We will update this section as soon as confirmed information becomes available.
Key Takeaways
- England kick off their World Cup 2026 campaign against Croatia in a rematch of the 2018 semi-final, which Croatia won 2-1.
- Jude Bellingham starts in the No.10 role, with Noni Madueke preferred to Bukayo Saka on the right wing.
- Ezri Konsa replaces Marc Guehi in central defence, suggesting Tuchel wants pace at the back.
- With temperatures above 33°C, the retractable-roof stadium will use air conditioning, a factor both teams have prepared for.
- Broadcast information remains unconfirmed; check official sources before kick-off.
Follow this live blog for minute-by-minute updates, analysis, and reaction from Dallas Stadium. Can England avenge that painful Moscow defeat and start their campaign with a statement win? Stay tuned.
Source: The Guardian
