England open 2026 World Cup with 4-2 win over Croatia

ARLINGTON, Texas — England began its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a 4-2 victory over Croatia in Group 12 at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Harry Kane opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 12th minute and added a second in the 42nd, with Jude Bellingham extending the lead in the 47th minute and Marcus Rashford completing the result in the 85th. Croatia pulled within one on either side of halftime through Martin Baturina in the 36th minute and Petar Musa in first-half stoppage time, but Bellingham's early second-half goal restored England's two-goal cushion. Rashford finished a fast break assisted by Bukayo Saka to seal the win. The Group 12 standings also include Panama and Ghana. England, which won the 1966 World Cup, is competing under head coach Thomas Tuchel.