📅 2026 World Cup Fixture: Group L · Wednesday, June 17, 2026 · AT&T Stadium, Dallas

When England face Croatia at the 2026 World Cup in Group L, it will be the latest chapter in one of football's most dramatic modern rivalries. The two have produced a 2018 World Cup semifinal heartbreak for England, a Euro 2020 group-stage win in revenge, and a string of qualifiers that have defined a generation of players on both sides.

This guide covers every meeting between the two nations, the all-time head-to-head record, the most memorable matches, key player matchups for the upcoming World Cup tie, and predicted lineups.

All-Time Head-to-Head Record

England lead the all-time head-to-head between England and Croatia, who have met 9 times at senior international level since 2003.

9 Meetings

5 England wins

1 Draws

3 Croatia wins

 

Stat	England	Croatia
Total wins	5	3
Goals scored	19	12
Goals per match	2.11	1.33
Win rate	56%	33%

Last meetings between England and Croatia

Date	Competition	Home	Away	Score
Nov 12, 2022	Friendly	England	Croatia	1-1
Jun 13, 2021	Euro 2020 Group	England	Croatia	1-0
Nov 18, 2018	Nations League	England	Croatia	2-1
Oct 12, 2018	Nations League	Croatia	England	0-0
Jul 11, 2018	World Cup Semi	Croatia	England	2-1 (a.e.t.)

Biggest wins for each side

England's biggest result

England 5–1 Croatia, World Cup Qualifier, September 9, 2009 — a Wembley demolition with goals from Lampard, Gerrard, and Rooney.

Croatia's biggest result

Croatia 3–2 England, Euro Qualifier, October 8, 2008 — Croatia stunned Wembley to derail England's Euro 2008 campaign and end Steve McClaren's tenure.

The most famous match

2018 World Cup Semifinal — Croatia 2-1 England (a.e.t.). Kieran Trippier's free kick gave England an early lead, but Ivan Perišić equalized and Mario Mandžukić struck in extra time to send Croatia to their first World Cup final.

Top scorer in the rivalry

Wayne Rooney leads the all-time scoring chart between these two with 5 goals against Croatia, including a brace in England's 4-1 Euro 2004 win as a teenager.

2026 World Cup Preview

Key players: England

Jude Bellingham (creative engine), Harry Kane (still the focal point), Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, Cole Palmer.

Key players: Croatia

Luka Modrić (likely his last World Cup at 40), Mateo Kovačić, Joško Gvardiol, Andrej Kramarić.

Match prediction

England are favorites at home seeding terms, but Croatia have historically risen in tournament football. Expect a tight, tactical match where set pieces and one moment of magic decide it. England 2-1 prediction.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the all-time head-to-head record between England and Croatia?

England lead the all-time head-to-head record with 5 wins to Croatia's 3, with 1 draw across 9 senior meetings since 2003. England have scored 19 goals to Croatia's 12 in those matches.

When did England last play Croatia?

England's last meeting with Croatia was a 1-1 friendly draw on November 12, 2022. Their last competitive meeting was at Euro 2020, where England won 1-0 in the group stage at Wembley.

Did Croatia knock England out of the 2018 World Cup?

Yes. Croatia beat England 2-1 after extra time in the 2018 World Cup semifinal in Moscow on July 11, 2018. Kieran Trippier scored early, but Ivan Perišić equalized and Mario Mandžukić won it in extra time.

When do England play Croatia at the 2026 World Cup?

England face Croatia in Group L of the 2026 World Cup on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at AT&T Stadium in Dallas. It is one of the most anticipated group-stage matches of the tournament.

Who has scored the most goals in England vs Croatia matches?

Wayne Rooney is the leading scorer in this fixture, with 5 goals against Croatia, including a brace as a teenager in England's 4-1 win at Euro 2004.

How many times have England and Croatia played at the World Cup?

England and Croatia have met once at a World Cup — the 2018 semifinal, which Croatia won 2-1 in extra time. The 2026 group-stage clash will be their second-ever World Cup meeting.

 See Also: Brazil vs Morocco Head to Head: All-Time Record, Results & 2026 Preview 

Last updated May 4, 2026. We will refresh this page after the 2026 World Cup match between England and Croatia.