England 4-2 Croatia - World Cup 2026: England hit four in World Cup opener against Croatia, Facts, Records

England made a winning start to their World Cup campaign as they overpowered Croatia in a thriller in Dallas.

Thomas Tuchel's side demonstrated strength in attack and frailty in defence, but possessed the firepower to finally overcome Croatia and set the platform for progress in Group L.

Harry Kane put England ahead on 12 minutes with a twice taken spot-kick after Luka Modric fouled Noni Madueke, Croatia keeper Dominik Livakovic saving his first attempt but penalised for encroaching off his goalline.

Croatia, always dangerous opponents, were level after 36 minutes when Martin Baturina sent a powerful drive high past Jordan Pickford, who got a touch but could not keep the ball out.

Kane, inevitably, restored England's lead three minutes before the break with a powerful header from Declan Rice's corner, bringing him level with Gary Lineker on 10 World Cup goals, his 81st in 115 England appearances.

England, however, never looked at ease defensively, Croatia equalising again with a well-worked goal seconds before half-time, Petar Musa steering Ivan Perisic's header beyond Pickford.

Jude Bellingham showed exactly why Tuchel selected him ahead of Morgan Rogers with a powerful run and finish moments after the break as the Three Lions established control once more.

Marcus Rashford, on as a substitute, ended any lingering concerns with a composed finish five minutes from time as England move on to face Ghana in Boston.

England vs Croatia 2026 World Cup Stats, Facts, Records.

The 4-2 victory for England against Croatia in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Group L opener on 17 June 2026 was a thrilling, record-breaking match that gave Thomas Tuchel a winning start to his World Cup campaign.

Key Match Facts

The Goals: England took an early lead through a Harry Kane penalty. Croatia equalised via Martin Baturina, but Kane struck again with a header. Petar Musa levelled it just before halftime for 2-2. Jude Bellingham (47') and Marcus Rashford (85') secured the win for England in the second half.

Key Records Made:

England Goalscoring Record: Captain Harry Kane scored twice, matching Gary Lineker’s record of 10 World Cup goals as England’s joint-highest scorer in tournament history.

Three Different World Cups: Kane became only the second English player in history to score at three separate World Cup tournaments (2018, 2022, 2026), joining David Beckham.

Major Tournament Elite: Kane moved up the all-time ranking for goals scored across World Cups and Euros combined, sitting behind only Cristiano Ronaldo, Miroslav Klose, and Gerd Müller.

Key Stat:

Opening Match Streak: England has now successfully won their opening World Cup fixture in three consecutive tournaments (2018, 2022, and 2026).

Milestone Men: Luka Modrić made his 199th appearance for Croatia before being substituted in the 58th minute.

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