England 4-2 Croatia – FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage, Group L result

The FIFA World Cup 2026 continued its opening drama on 17 June at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, as England and Croatia met in a Group L clash. Both sides arrived with hopes of securing early points, and the stadium was packed with a lively crowd eager to see how the two European nations would fare on American soil.

How it unfolded

The match began at a lively tempo, and England drew first blood twelve minutes in. Harry Kane stepped up to take a penalty and coolly slotted the ball with his right foot into the bottom-right corner, giving the hosts a 1-0 lead.

Croatia responded in the 36th minute. Martin Baturina, operating from outside the box, unleashed a right-footed strike that curled into the top-left corner. The goal was set up by Petar Sucic, whose precise pass found Baturina in space, restoring parity at 1-1.

Just six minutes later, England reclaimed the advantage. From a corner, Declan Rice delivered a low cross into the centre of the box, where Harry Kane rose to meet it with a header. His shot found the bottom-left corner, putting England ahead 2-1 at the break.

The dead-ball drama continued into stoppage time of the first half. In the 45+5 minute, Croatia equalised once more. Petar Musa received a headed pass from Ivan Perišić and, from the centre of the box, struck with his right foot to slot the ball into the centre of the net, making it 2-2 as the teams headed to the locker rooms.

The second half opened with England pressing forward. Just two minutes after the restart, Jude Bellingham broke the deadlock. Receiving the ball on the right side of the box, he cut inside and fired a right-footed shot into the bottom-left corner, his effort assisted by Elliot Anderson. The goal restored England’s lead at 3-2.

The final blow came in the 85th minute. Bukayo Saka supplied a well-timed pass that found Marcus Rashford in the middle of the box. Rashford’s right-footed strike aimed low to the bottom-right corner, sealing a 4-2 victory for England and effectively ending Croatia’s hopes of a comeback.

Standout performers

Harry Kane was the decisive figure, delivering a penalty and a crucial header, and finishing as England’s top scorer with two goals. Jude Bellingham added a well-taken strike to push England further ahead, while Marcus Rashford’s late goal capped the scoring. On the Croatian side, Martin Baturina and Petar Musa each found the net, showcasing their attacking intent.

Match facts

  • Final score: England 4-2 Croatia
  • Scorers:
    • England: Harry Kane (12' pen, 42' header), Jude Bellingham (47'), Marcus Rashford (85')
    • Croatia: Martin Baturina (36'), Petar Musa (45+5')
  • Assists: Declan Rice (42'), Elliot Anderson (47'), Bukayo Saka (85'), Petar Sucic (36'), Ivan Perišić (45+5')
  • Bookings: None
  • Venue: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas

What it means

The result adds three points to England’s tally and two to Croatia’s, keeping both teams alive in the Group L phase of the FIFA World Cup 2026 as they continue their campaigns toward the knockout rounds.