Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterThomas Tuchel's men endured a more difficult week than they would have preferred off the pitch, but all is looking up now.England are preparing for their Group L opener against Croatia at World Cup 2026, and recently re-located from Florida ahead of the match.The Russia semi-final, in which England lost 2-1, will be repeated for their 2026 tournament opening game - but when and where is it?Play our free match predictor and win �1kWhen and where is England's first game, against Croatia at the World Cup 2026England 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. You may like When are England next playing? England suffer HUGE setback ahead of Croatia game in bizarre World Cup heist England World Cup 2026 warm-up friendlies against New Zealand and Costa Rica finally confirmed 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.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.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.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.TOPICSEnglandCroatiaWorld Cup 2026Kedar BayleySocial Links NavigationFreelance WriterKedar Bayley is a trained journalist specialising in culture reporting. As a fan of Liverpool FC,he writes on the Reds often. Knowledgable about all things sports, cinema and television,you can find his words in Screen International, FourFourTwo, Manchester Evening News and more.
