Twice Level, Never Behind: England Survive Croatia's Comeback Punches to Open World Cup 2026 in Style -

England beat Croatia 4-2 in a thrilling FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L opener in Dallas. Harry Kane’s brace, Jude Bellingham’s solo strike and Marcus Rashford’s late finish secured the win. Full match report, stats and reaction

This was meant to be a routine start. It became one of the wildest opening matches of the entire tournament.

England led twice in the first half. Croatia hauled themselves level twice. By the time the half-time whistle blew at Dallas Stadium, the scoreboard read 2-2, and Thomas Tuchel — making his FIFA World Cup managerial debut — had every reason to look uneasy on the touchline. What followed was a calm, ruthless second-half response that buried any lingering nerves. England 4–2 Croatia. Three points, message sent.

A Penalty, A Retake, and the Perfect Start

England were given the ideal opening when referee Clément Turpin pointed to the spot in the 12th minute after Luka Modrić fouled Noni Madueke inside the box. Harry Kane stepped up — and saw his initial effort saved by Dominik Livaković. But the Croatian goalkeeper had strayed off his line a fraction too early, and the retake was ordered.

This time, Kane made no mistake. England 1–0 Croatia, and the captain’s record-breaking 2026 already underway.

For a spell after that, England controlled proceedings without ever truly threatening to add a second. Croatia, patient and experienced through Modrić’s 199th international appearance, waited for their opening.

Baturina’s Thunderbolt Levels It (36′)

It arrived emphatically. Martin Baturina, given a fraction of space 20 yards from goal, struck a ferocious effort that flew beyond Jordan Pickford and into the top corner. There was no saving that one. England 1–1 Croatia, and suddenly Dallas Stadium had a genuine contest on its hands.

Kane’s Second Restores the Lead (42′)

England responded almost immediately through their captain again. Declan Rice’s corner was met with a thumping downward header from Kane, restoring the lead just before the interval and giving the Three Lions what looked like a crucial cushion heading into the break.

It wasn’t enough.

Musa’s Stoppage-Time Sting (45+5′)

Deep into first-half injury time, Croatia struck again. Petar Musa found space in behind England’s backline and finished with composure to make it 2-2, sending the sides in level at the break after a genuinely breathless 45 minutes. Tuchel’s first half-time team talk as England’s World Cup manager would need to count.

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The Second Half: England Find Their Rhythm

Whatever was said in that dressing room worked instantly.

Bellingham’s Moment (47′)

Just two minutes after the restart, Jude Bellingham — under scrutiny coming into the tournament over his club-versus-country form gap — answered every question in the most emphatic way possible. Latching onto a superb pass from Elliot Anderson, he drove forward into the penalty area and finished with the kind of composure that immediately silenced any doubts. England 3-2 Croatia.

It was the kind of goal that doesn’t just shift a scoreline — it shifts momentum entirely. England controlled the rest of the half from there, peppering Livaković’s goal even as the Croatian goalkeeper produced several outstanding saves to keep the scoreline respectable.

Rashford Seals It (85′)

The result was put beyond any remaining doubt in the 85th minute. Bukayo Saka, introduced from the bench, spotted Marcus Rashford in space on the left and delivered a pinpoint pass. Rashford didn’t panic — he shifted his marker with a sharp feint before calmly slotting the ball into the bottom corner. It was Rashford’s first World Cup goal, and a hugely significant one for a player who has waited a long time for this stage.

England 4–2 Croatia. Full time.

Match Stats

	England 🏴	Croatia 🇭🇷
Goals	4 (Kane x2, Bellingham, Rashford)	2 (Baturina, Musa)
Shots	20	11
Shots on Target	12	6
Possession	54%	46%
Passes	476	431
Pass Accuracy	88%	87%
Fouls	10	11

England’s attacking output — 20 shots, 12 on target — reflected total second-half dominance, even if Croatia’s resilience in the first 45 made this anything but a comfortable afternoon.

Player of the Match: Harry Kane 🏴

Two goals in his opening World Cup match of 2026, and a record already in his pocket — Kane is now England’s all-time leading goalscorer with 78 international goals, having surpassed Wayne Rooney. He arrives at this tournament in arguably the best form of his career and now sits among the favourites to chase down Gary Lineker’s England-held World Cup Golden Boot record.

Group L Standings After Matchday 1

	Team	P	Pts	GD
1	England 🏴	1	3	+2
2	Ghana 🇬🇭	0	—	—
3	Panama 🇵🇦	0	—	—
4	Croatia 🇭🇷	1	0	-2

The Verdict

This was exactly the kind of match a major tournament opener should be — high quality, genuinely uncertain for long stretches, and ultimately settled by the side with the deeper bench and the sharper finishing touch. Croatia, even with Modrić turning back the clock at 41, simply couldn’t match England’s firepower over 90 minutes.

For Tuchel, his first competitive game in charge brought both reassurance and a clear warning. The attacking talent is undeniable. But conceding twice against a Croatia side without their full attacking strength suggests defensive issues that England’s manager will need to address before facing Ghana on Tuesday — a Black Stars side built on pace and direct running that could exploit similar gaps.

For Croatia, the inquest begins immediately. They now turn to a daunting clash with Panama in Toronto, knowing anything less than a win could end their tournament before it has properly begun.

Next up: England vs Ghana (June 23, Boston) | Croatia vs Panama (June 22, Toronto)

Match played June 17, 2026 at Dallas Stadium (AT&T Stadium), Arlington, Texas.

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Twice Level, Never Behind: England Survive Croatia’s Comeback Punches to Open World Cup 2026 in Style