England face Croatia in World Cup 2026 opener as Tuchel seeks first win since 1966

Thomas Tuchel’s England open their 2026 World Cup campaign against Croatia at Dallas Stadium, Texas, on Wednesday, June 17, with kick-off at 9pm local time. It is England’s first match at the tournament since Gareth Southgate stepped down, and a rematch of the 2018 semi-final in which Croatia eliminated the Three Lions.

The game carries particular weight given England have not won a World Cup since 1966 — a 60-year wait that Tuchel has been tasked with ending. The German coach, who replaced Southgate, has faced scrutiny over his squad selections, with Harry Maguire, Cole Palmer, and Trent Alexander-Arnold all left out of the 26-man group, while his style of play has drawn criticism for lacking attacking ambition.

Despite the mixed mood among supporters, England enter the tournament as one of the favourites. Much of that expectation rests on captain Harry Kane, the country’s all-time leading scorer, who will need to deliver consistently if England are to progress deep into the competition.

The tournament itself is already producing headlines. Scotland recorded their first-ever World Cup victory, beating Haiti, while the United States defeated Paraguay and Cape Verde held Spain to a draw in the early rounds of group-stage action.

England’s remaining group fixtures see them face Ghana on Tuesday, June 23, and then Panama on Saturday, June 27, in what could be a decisive final group game.

All matches at this World Cup are running slightly longer than usual due to enforced hydration breaks, a measure introduced because of the summer heat across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.