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England opened their 2026 World Cup campaign with a 4-2 victory over Croatia in Dallas, Texas, on Wednesday, with captain Harry Kane scoring twice to lead his side to a winning start in Group L. The match, played at AT&T Stadium, kicked off at 3pm local time (20:00 GMT), as reported by Al Jazeera.

Coverage comparison

Coverage of the match was consistent across multiple outlets. Al Jazeera and France 24 — English both reported the 4-2 scoreline and highlighted Kane's double, while also noting goals from Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford. TASS — English provided a detailed minute-by-minute account of the scorers. RFI — English also confirmed the result and noted that Kane's two goals brought his World Cup tally to ten, equaling the national team record.

Pre-match previews from Al Jazeera and France 24 — English focused on the significance of the fixture, describing it as a rematch of the 2018 semi-final, which Croatia won 2-1 after extra time. Both outlets noted England's status as genuine contenders and mentioned the controversy surrounding coach Thomas Tuchel's squad selection.

Key claims

  • England beat Croatia 4-2 in their World Cup opener in Dallas, Texas, as reported by Al Jazeera, France 24 — English, RFI — English, and TASS — English.
  • Harry Kane scored twice in the match, bringing his World Cup goal tally to 10, according to Al Jazeera and France 24 — English. This equaled Gary Lineker's national team record, as noted by TASS — English and France 24 — English.
  • The match was played at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas, and kicked off at 3pm local time (20:00 GMT), as reported by Al Jazeera.
  • Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford also scored for England, with Bellingham scoring early in the second half and Rashford adding a fourth five minutes from time, according to Al Jazeera, France 24 — English, and TASS — English.
  • Martin Baturina and Petar Musa scored for Croatia, with Baturina levelling in the 36th minute and Musa equalising in first-half stoppage time, as reported by Al Jazeera, France 24 — English, and TASS — English.

Match details

Kane opened the scoring from the penalty spot after Croatia captain Luka Modric was judged to have fouled Noni Madueke in the box. Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic saved Kane's initial effort, but French referee Clement Turpin ordered a retake after video replays showed Livakovic had come off his line. Kane converted the retaken penalty to give England the lead after 12 minutes, according to Al Jazeera and France 24 — English.

Baturina equalised for Croatia in the 36th minute with a curling shot past England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. Kane restored England's advantage before half-time, heading in from a Declan Rice corner, but Musa drew Croatia level again with virtually the last action of the first half, as reported by France 24 — English.

Bellingham put England ahead for a third time just two minutes after the restart, and substitute Rashford sealed the win with five minutes remaining. The match was played in front of a crowd of 70,000 at the home of the Dallas Cowboys, according to Al Jazeera.

Aftermath

England's next match in Group L is against Ghana, while Croatia face Panama, as reported by TASS — English. The victory gave England a winning start in their bid to deliver a first major trophy since 1966, a goal highlighted in pre-match coverage by Al Jazeera and France 24 — English.