England vs. Croatia FIFA World Cup Preview: Odds, Best Bets and Score Prediction
These two nations have shared several memorable battles over the last decade, most notably Croatia’s dramatic extra-time victory in the 2018 World Cup semifinals. England responded three years later by defeating the Croatians 1-0 in the group stage of Euro 2020.
Now, the rivals meet again on the biggest stage. England enter the tournament with high expectations under new manager Thomas Tuchel after producing one of the most dominant qualification campaigns in Europe. Croatia remain led by a core of experienced stars and have consistently exceeded expectations at major tournaments.
With Ghana and Panama rounding out Group L, three points in this opener could prove crucial in the race for first place.
Check out our full list of live 2026 World Cup betting odds.
England vs. Croatia World Cup how to watch & match info
- Time: Wednesday, June 17 at 4:00 PM ET
- Stadium: Dallas Stadium (Arlington, Texas)
- TV Channel: TSN
- Weather: 34.4°C (93°F) – Periods of clouds and sun, breezy and humid, but the game will be played in a temperature-controlled indoor dome
England vs. Croatia Group L betting odds
England are listed as the clear favourite heading into their tournament opener at –140 on the three-way money line. Croatia can be backed at +390, while the draw sits at a +280 price. Oddsmakers are not anticipating a high-scoring contest. Under 2.5 goals is priced at -145, while Over 2.5 goals has +115 odds.
England vs. Croatia predicted starting XI lineups
England Predicted Starting XI: 4-2-3-1
Pickford
James | Stones | Guehi | O’Reilly
Anderson | Rice
Madueke | Bellingham | Gordon
Kane
Croatia Predicted Starting XI: 3-4-2-1
Livakovic
Sutalo | Vuskovic | Gvardiol
Stanisic | Modric | Kovacic | Perisic
Sucic | Baturina
Musa
England FIFA World Cup odds and news
England could hardly have asked for a smoother route through qualification. Tuchel’s side won all eight matches, scored 22 goals, and remarkably did not concede once. No European nation posted a better defensive record during qualifying. Harry Kane once again led the attack, finishing with eight goals while continuing his outstanding form at Bayern Munich. However, there are still a few selection decisions to be made.
Reece James has dealt with fitness concerns but is expected to start at right-back. Jude Bellingham appears set to occupy the attacking midfield role ahead of Morgan Rogers, while Noni Madueke could replace Bukayo Saka on the right wing, as he continues to gain fitness from a hamstring injury. England possess quality throughout the squad, and their defensive consistency makes them one of the strongest teams entering the tournament.
Croatia FIFA World Cup odds and news
Croatia continue to be one of international soccer’s most reliable tournament performers. After reaching the 2018 final and finishing third in 2022, Zlatko Dalic’s side secured qualification by winning seven of eight matches and allowing only four goals. Although many of Croatia’s key players are now in the latter stages of their careers, Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic, and Ivan Perisic still form the backbone of a talented and experienced squad capable of competing with anyone.
One of the biggest questions surrounds the striker position. Andrej Kramaric remains an option after another productive Bundesliga campaign, but Petar Musa has enjoyed a strong season in MLS and is reportedly pushing for a place in the starting lineup. At the back, Josko Gvardiol is expected to be available after recovering from a shin injury suffered earlier this year. He should be joined by highly regarded teenager Luka Vuskovic in Croatia’s three-man defence.
Croatia’s disappointing exit in the group stage of Euro 2024 raised concerns about whether the team’s golden generation is nearing its end, but they remain dangerous opponents in any major competition.
England vs. Croatia player odds and props
Harry Kane (ENG) to score (+130): Croatia conceded in half their qualifying matches, and Kane’s movement and composure in the box make him a reliable anytime scorer.
Luka Modric (CRO) 64+ passes: Even at 40, Modric is the engine Croatia rely on to control possession and create. If Croatia are going to stay in this game, it will run through their captain.
World Cup Group L 2026 bracket and futures
England are overwhelming favourites to finish atop Group L at -280. A victory in the opener would place them firmly in command ahead of matches against Panama and Ghana.
Croatia are priced at +320 to win the group but are still heavily favoured to advance to the knockout stage at -500. While Ghana (+1100) and Panama (+4000) remain outsiders, Croatia appear to be England’s main challenger for top spot.
England vs. Croatia score prediction
Best bet: England to win and Under 4.5 goals (-110)
England enter the tournament with greater squad depth, stronger recent form, and arguably the most organized defence in Europe. Croatia’s experience should help them remain competitive, but they rarely get involved in wide-open matches against elite opposition.
A disciplined, low-scoring encounter feels likely, with England eventually finding the breakthrough through Kane or Bellingham.
Final score prediction: England 1 | Croatia 0