England kicked off their 2026 FIFA World Cup Group K campaign in dramatic fashion, overcoming Croatia 4–2 in a high-intensity encounter at the Dallas Stadium that delivered goals, controversy, and momentum swings from start to finish.
The match exploded into life early on. Just minutes in, Luka Modrić was penalised for a foul on Noni Madueke inside the box, prompting referee Shannon Turpin to award a penalty. Harry Kane’s initial effort was saved by Dominik Livaković, but VAR intervention revealed the goalkeeper had stepped off his line. Retaking the spot-kick in the 12th minute, England’s captain made no mistake the second time around to give the Three Lions an early lead.
Croatia responded with composure and gradually grew into the game. Their pressure was rewarded in the 36th minute when Martin Baturina unleashed a superb long-range strike to level the score. England, however, restored their advantage before the break. A pinpoint Declan Rice corner found Kane, who powered in a clinical header in the 42nd minute to make it 2–1.
Just when it looked like England would take a lead into half-time, Croatia struck again. Ivan Perišić delivered a well-weighted cross that found Petar Musa, who headed home in the fifth minute of added time (45+5) to send the teams into the interval locked at 2–2.
The second half began at a frenetic pace. England needed only two minutes after the restart to regain control, as Elliot Anderson threaded a precise pass to Jude Bellingham, who finished confidently in the 47th minute to restore the lead.
Despite sustained English pressure, Croatia goalkeeper Livaković produced a series of outstanding saves to keep his side in contention. However, his resistance was finally broken in the 85th minute. A slick attacking move involving substitutes Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford ended with Rashford applying the decisive finish to seal the victory.
England held firm in the closing stages to secure a valuable opening win, while Croatia were left to reflect on missed chances and defensive lapses in key moments.
In the other Group K fixture, Ghana and Panama are set to meet later today in their tournament opener.
