England and Croatia meet in Group L of the 2026 World Cup on June 17 at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, with both sides targeting the ideal start to their tournament campaigns. England arrive as heavy favorites at -135, while Croatia, runners-up in 2018, are priced at +430 to cause an upset. The England vs Croatia World Cup 2026 predictions market points firmly toward a Three Lions win, but Croatia’s experience makes the game far from straightforward.
England qualified with a perfect 8W-0D-0L record in UEFA qualifying, scoring 22 goals and conceding none. Croatia matched that goal difference at +22 across their own eight-match qualifying campaign, going 7W-1D-0L with 26 goals scored and only 4 conceded. These two sides have met 11 times in total, and the records suggest a tight, competitive contest rather than a routine England victory.
