Story by Lawrence Trusida, Sports Editor
ENGLAND kick off their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a highly anticipated Group-stage clash against Croatia at Dallas Stadium this evening.
The Three Lions are making their 17th appearance at football’s biggest tournament and will be aiming for a strong start as they pursue a second World Cup title, 60 years after their historic triumph on home soil in 1966.
Captain Harry Kane will once again spearhead England’s attack as he looks to guide his side deep into the competition.
Croatia, meanwhile, arrive with vast tournament experience despite concerns over an ageing squad led by veteran captain Luka Modric.
The 40-year-old midfield maestro is expected to reach the 200-cap milestone during the tournament as he seeks to inspire another successful World Cup campaign for the Croatians.
The two sides have met 11 times, with England holding a slight edge with six victories compared to Croatia’s three. However, Croatia famously defeated England in the semi-finals of the 2018 FIFA World Cup before going on to finish runners-up.
Elsewhere, Ghana begin their Group L campaign against Panama in the early hours of Thursday in a match regarded as pivotal to both sides’ hopes of progressing to the knockout stages.
The Black Stars are seeking to end a seven-match winless run at the World Cup and make a positive start under new coach Carlos Queiroz. Panama, meanwhile, will be chasing only their second victory at the global showpiece.
Ghana will be without midfielder Thomas Partey, who has been denied entry. The West Africans are expected to rely heavily on the attacking threat of Manchester City forward Antoine Semenyo, who enjoyed an impressive English Premier League campaign.
