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Rabat – England began their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with an entertaining 4-2 victory over Croatia in their opening Group L match today.
The match at Dallas Stadium produced six goals, with Croatia twice recovering from a losing position before England took control after halftime.
Harry Kane opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 12th minute. Dominik Livaković saved his first effort, but the kick was ordered to be retaken after the goalkeeper left his line early and Croatian players entered the penalty area.
Kane converted his second attempt to give Thomas Tuchel’s team the lead.
Croatia respond twice
Croatia grew into the match after a difficult opening period and equalized in the 36th minute through Martin Baturina.
The midfielder met Petar Sučić’s cutback with a powerful first-time strike that gave Jordan Pickford little chance.
England restored their advantage six minutes later. Declan Rice delivered a corner into the penalty area, where Kane rose to score with a strong downward header.
The goal was Kane’s second of the match and his 10th at a World Cup, drawing him level with Gary Lineker’s England tournament record.
Croatia responded again before the break.
Ivan Perišić headed Mario Pašalić’s pass into the path of Petar Musa, who finished calmly across Pickford in first-half stoppage time to make it 2-2.
Bellingham restores England’s lead
England made a fast start to the second half and went ahead for the third time in the 47th minute.
Jude Bellingham collected a long pass, drove forward from the right and fired a low shot beyond Livaković.
England then increased the pressure, forcing the Croatian goalkeeper to make several saves as Tuchel’s side searched for another goal.
Luka Modrić, making his fifth World Cup appearance and earning his 199th international cap, was replaced before the hour mark as Croatia struggled to regain control of midfield.
Marcus Rashford completed the scoring in the 85th minute after coming off the bench, finishing an attacking move involving Bukayo Saka.
England take early group advantage
The victory gives England three points and a strong start in a group that also includes Ghana and Panama.
The Three Lions will next face Ghana on June 23 before meeting Panama in their final group match on June 27.
Croatia will look to recover against Panama on June 23 before concluding their group campaign against Ghana four days later.
