Noureldein GhanemEngland and Croatia will renew a rivalry forged on some of the biggest stages in international football when they meet in their opening Group L match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a match that could set the tone for the entire group.
The Three Lions, ranked forth in the FIFA rankings, arrive in North America boasting one of the tournament's deepest squads, blending established stars with a new wave of emerging talent.
England are seeking to end a 60-year wait for the World Cup trophy. And opening with a victory at Texas' Dallas Stadium against The Blazers would not only strengthen England's chances of topping Group L but also send an early message to the rest of the favourites.
Croatia, ranked 11th in the FIFA rankings, meanwhile, once again embrace the role of tournament specialists.
Despite a population of fewer than four million people, the Balkan nation squad have become one of international football's most consistent performers, reaching the 2018 World Cup final and finishing third four years later in Qatar.
While many of the heroes from those campaigns have moved on, Croatia's reputation for resilience, tactical discipline and thriving under pressure remains intact.
With Ghana and Panama also competing in Group L, both sides understand that a positive result in the opener could prove decisive in the race for the knockout stage.
Formations
The contest is expected to be a fascinating clash of styles. England are likely to dominate possession and attack through the pace and creativity of their forward line, while Croatia will seek to control the tempo in midfield and capitalise on moments of transition.
In the World Cup, formations are usually confirmed just before the kick-off.
However, England's expected plan is a 4-2-3-1 that can change into a 4-3-3 based on the flow of the match. The team's play style is possession-based, mixed with direct attacking transitions.
The Three Lions are packed with stars, including Bayern Munich's Harry Kane and Arsenal's Declan Rice.
Another England superstar is Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham. However, the Real Madrid midfielder had a rocky relationship with head coach Thomas Tuchel, and his place in the starting eleven has been in question recently.
But if Bellingham ends up in the starting squad, he would definitely play a huge role for the Three Lions.
Veteran midfielder Jordan Henderson believes that England's strength point is sticking together, instead of star players believing they could carry the team alone.
"There's going to be tough moments where you have to dig in, and the closer you are together as a group, the easier that'll be," Henderson said.
Similarly, Croatia use a 4-3-3 or a 4-2-3-1 formation. Although the team's play style is midfield control, unlike England, Croatia usually attempt to slow the tempo of the matches, which is expected of them against the Three Lions' direct attacks.
'I want to enjoy each match'
Croatia's biggest star is obviously AC Milan's veteran midfielder Luka Modric. The 40-year-old is regarded by many as one of the best midfielders in history and even the best Croatian player ever.
Another key player for Croatia is midfielder Mateo Kovacic. Kovacic spent most of his national team career in the shadow of Modric, but he is equally as critical for the team's formation.
Kane has urged his teammates to "go for it" and be "free in the mind" when they take on Croatia.
"For sure it's one of the best opportunities we will have as a team to win it," Kane said on Tuesday. "I think everyone is eager to just start well tomorrow and prove that we have the capabilities of going far in this tournament. Ultimately, for me, the message is just to be free in the mind."
This tournament marks the final appearance for Modric, one of the world's most celebrated football players of the past two decades.
"Every game, every tournament is special at 40 with the national team," Modric said on the eve of the England clash.
"My aim in this tournament is to enjoy it, to do my best, but enjoy it. I want to enjoy each match, every training with these guys."
Beyond football
Beyond the tactical battle, the match carries an added sense of history. Every meeting between England and Croatia has seemed to arrive with significant stakes, producing memorable moments and lingering storylines.
The fixture immediately evokes memories of the dramatic encounters that have defined the relationship between the two nations over the past two decades, from Croatia's role in ending England's hope of reaching Euro 2008 to their unforgettable semi-finals clash at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
For England, the match represents the first major test of a squad carrying the weight of expectation from a nation that believes its talented generation can challenge for the trophy.
Crucially, it offers a chance for redemption after Croatia eliminated them 2-1 in the 2018 semi-finals.
As the World Cup spotlight turns to Group L, another chapter is set to be written in a rivalry that has repeatedly delivered drama on football's grandest stages.
While England enter the match as favourites, the 2026 World Cup has already shown that nothing is guaranteed.
