- by croatiaweek
- December 6, 2025
-
in
Uncategorized
MetLife Stadium – New York/New Jersey
Croatia were drawn into Group L alongside England, Ghana and Panama for the FIFA 2026 World Cup in USA, Canada and Mexico.
FIFA today announced the full match schedule today, confirming host cities and kick-off times for all 104 matches.
The tournament will take place across 16 venues in the United States, Canada and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July 2026, marking the first edition with 48 teams and an expanded format.
FIFA World Cup 2026 – Group L (Times are Eastern Time Zone, USA)
17 June 2026 – 16:00 – CROATIA – England – Dallas
23 June 2026 – 19:00 – CROATIA – Panama – Toronto
27 June 2026 – 17:00 – CROATIA – Ghana – Philadelphia
Croatia coach Zlatko Dalić said they had drawn one of the tougher top-seeded teams and “old friends” England, noting it will be the fifth time they meet during his tenure.
He acknowledged that opening against England is not ideal, as the first match often sets the tone. Dalić recalled narrow defeats in their opening games at recent European Championships, but pointed out that Croatia have historically started well at World Cups.
He added that Panama and Ghana are opponents Croatia can compete with and aim for good results against, stressing that the team will study them carefully.
The main objective, he said, is to progress from the group, but without putting unnecessary pressure on themselves given the high expectations created by Croatia’s strong performances at recent World Cups.
Dalić concluded that the most important thing is for the players to be healthy and ready in six months’ time, with no injury concerns.
