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Sport
Kedar Bayley

When and where is England's first game? Everything you need to know

Harry Kane #9 of England looks on during the international friendly match between England and New Zealand at Raymond James Stadium on June 06, 2026 in Tampa, Florida. .

England take on Croatia on Wednesday at World Cup 2026 in Arlington, Texas.

It's a rematch of the 2018 semi-final at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Russia, following a more stressful week than Thomas Tuchel's men would have liked.

England's World Cup 2026 opener is fast approaching: here are all the details of the clash with Croatia that you need.

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When and where is England's first game, against Croatia at the World Cup 2026

England re-located from Florida to Missouri ahead of their Group L opener against Croatia at the World Cup. (Image credit: Getty Images)

England were robbed en route to Kansas City earlier this week, losing a significant amount of inventory before the situation was resolved.

Tuchel's men have established their base in Missouri, where they will remain for the next three weeks at least, ahead of a Texas-set opening game against Croatia.

England were robbed en-route to Missouri this week, ahead of an opening game in Texas. (Image credit: Getty Images)

England will play their opening Group L face-off in Arlington, Texas, at the Dallas Stadium - one of the tournament's largest grounds.

The match will take place on Wednesday, June 17, being broadcast at 9pm for British viewers, on ITV1, ITVX and STV – that makes it a 3pm kick-off, local time.

The event will mark the second time that the Three Lions have faced off against Croatia at the World Cup, and is largely a grudge match after England's 2018 semi-final exit to the opposition.

Starting the World Cup strongly hasn't been too much of a difficulty for the Three Lions, having won four and drawn three of their last eight tournament openers.

The solitary loss in that time came against Italy at the 2014 edition - in a 2-1 defeat with Daniel Sturridge initially sending them a goal up.

Croatia lead the head-to-head 1-0 at the World Cup, while England lead 2-0 at the UEFA European Championship. (Image credit: Getty Images)

In terms of World Cup appearances, England maintain a strong edge over the Croatians, boasting 17 tournaments to their opponent's seven.

The two have faced off three times previously in major international tournaments this century, with the head-to-head in England's favour.

The Three Lions have prevailed twice at the UEFA European Championship, while Croatia lead the World Cup head-to-head 1-0.

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