SouthernWorldwide.com – England is set to face Croatia in a highly anticipated Group L opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The game is scheduled for June 17, 2026, and will be held at Dallas Stadium, broadcasted on FOX.
Following a series of close calls in recent major tournaments – falling short in the 2018 World Cup semifinals, the 2022 World Cup quarterfinals, and the 2024 Euros final – England enters a new chapter under the leadership of new manager Thomas Tuchel. The team carries a significant amount of unfinished business into this competition.
The Three Lions secured their spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a flawless qualification campaign, topping UEFA Group K. Their journey concluded with a commanding 5-0 victory over Latvia, marking the end of an unbeaten eight-match streak during which they did not concede a single goal.
England is recognized as one of the tournament favorites, with odds set at +700. They are only surpassed by France and Spain in the betting lines.
Despite the change in management, England is expected to rely on the established core of players who have transformed them into an international powerhouse. Key figures such as Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, and Declan Rice are expected to lead the charge.
Having reached the latter stages of multiple major tournaments, this squad is still striving to achieve its ultimate goal. The men’s team is aiming to secure its first major international title in 60 years.
In parallel, Croatia has made a significant impact in the last two World Cups, solidifying its position as one of the most successful national teams of the modern era. Their impressive performances include a runner-up finish in 2018, followed by a third-place finish in 2022.
Furthermore, Croatia reached the UEFA Nations League final in 2023. What makes their sustained success even more remarkable is that they have achieved this with a national population of fewer than four million people.
Croatia earned their qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup by finishing at the top of UEFA Group L, securing their automatic spot in the tournament.
Similar to England, the question remains whether Croatia can overcome past near misses and heartbreaks to ultimately lift the coveted trophy.
The odds for the England vs. Croatia Group L matchup are available at FanDuel Sportsbook as of June 17.
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From FOX Sports Wagering Analyst, Chris ‘The Bear’ Fallica:
Let’s delve into some additional betting options for this exciting match.
