FIFA 2026: England Secure Perfect Start With Croatia Defeat In Opening Game

England got off to a perfect start in their  2026 FIFA World Cup opening match in Dallas, defeating Croatia 4-1, with Harry Kane scoring a brace. 

The Three Lions have not lost the FIFA World  Cup opening game since 2014, and today's game was tough for both sides. Harry Kane seized the opportunity to extend his goal tally in the World Cup, making him England's highest scorer in the World Cup, and he was influential throughout. 

Kane opened the scores from a penalty in the first half before Baturina leveled. He retired the lead to England, heading home DeClan Rice's corner, and the Croatian equalised on the stroke of halftime through Musa.

Soon after halftime, Jude Bellingham seized a counterattack from Anderson's lob to score the third goal for England. Marcus Rashford sealed the victory with the fourth from Bukayo Saka's through pass, following a fast break. 

The victory was England's first since they last time they faced Croatia in the FIFA World Cup. They lost 2-1 to the Croatians in 2018. The Three Lions will face Ghana in the next match, while Croatia will take on Panama. 

Overview 

It was an interesting and energetic game in the first half. Harry Kane brought his finest skill to lead the Three Lions. Meanwhile, Croatia was not to be underrated, and England knew that, even though the scoreline was leveled on the brink of halftime. 

Modric was influential on the Croatian side, which has many of its players doing well in European football. England returned from halftime, locking up the weak links in the defense while being counter-ready. That paid off with an early second-half goal. Kane brought his German football acumen in, terrifying the Croatians with multiple goal attempts. However, the goalkeeper is in top form, saving multiple balls on the touchline.

Tomas Tuchel's substitutions proved effective. The team maintained composure, and the attacking forward stayed sharp like they had been from the start. Great influence from Anderson, and importantly, Jordan Pickford. 

Chances and Defense 

England held off Croatia from a crucial moment that could level the scores and avoided a penalty as James held off Mario from advancing further in the penalty area. Noni Maduele came close to doubling the lead for the Three Lions moments after, but was impeded before attempting a shot on target. 

England left the defence spaced wide, and Croatia seized the moment, and Sucic inspired Baturina's break into the box, leaving O'Reilly vulnerable. However, Harry Kane's second goal caught the Croatian defense off guard. He was left unguarded in the set piece, allowing him enough space for a free header. However, Croatia's equalizer on the brink of halftime was a masterclass display of European football as Perisic darted past two defenders to set Musa up for a strike. It was Croatia's finest chance of the first half. 

England wasted no time in finding an opportunity, and Belligham's goal was their finest of the game. Harry Kane and O'Reilly came closest to making it a fourth soon after Bellingham's, but stopped on the touchline by Livakovic. Saka's influence was quickly felt on his first major breakthrough on the right wing, resulting in the winning goal.