Croatia’s football stars will showcase their talent at the FIFA World Cup 2026 tomorrow when Zlatko Dalić’s side takes on England in a blockbuster Group L clash, one of the most anticipated fixtures of the opening round.
The match at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas is expected to attract global attention as two of Europe’s most recognizable football nations meet on the biggest stage. Croatia enter the tournament as the most successful football nation from the region, having finished as World Cup runners-up in 2018 and secured third place in both 1998 and 2022.
The squad features a number of players competing for some of the biggest clubs in world football, including Joško Gvardiol, Josip Stanišić, Mateo Kovačić, Mario Pašalić and Ivan Perišić. Leading the team once again is Luka Modrić, one of the greatest footballers of his generation, the 2018 Ballon d’Or winner and a player whose achievements have left a lasting mark on the sport. Croatia and England share a rich history of memorable encounters, most notably the 2018 World Cup semi-final, when Croatia won 2-1 after extra time to reach its first-ever World Cup final.
Croatia are one of only two teams from the Western Balkans to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, alongside Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Bosnians opened their Group B campaign with an impressive 1-1 draw against co-hosts Canada. Bosnia took the lead through Jovo Lukić in the 21st minute before Canada equalised late in the second half.
Bosnia and Herzegovina have also received high-profile support from two of football’s most recognizable figures. Former Sweden international Zlatan Ibrahimović, whose family roots trace back to Bosnia and Herzegovina, has spoken positively about the team’s World Cup journey, while former France star and Arsenal legend, Thierry Henry has also expressed his support for the Dragons during the tournament.
Ibrahimović, one of the greatest strikers of his generation, remains one of the most popular television pundits covering the 2026 World Cup, and his encouragement is certain to resonate with both players and supporters. Henry, whose personal ties to Bosnia and Herzegovina come through his wife’s side of the family, has likewise highlighted the significance of the nation’s appearance on football’s biggest stage. Their backing provides an additional boost for a team looking to make history at its first World Cup in more than a decade.
Bosnia and Herzegovina will face Switzerland and Qatar next as they look to secure a place in the knockout stage. After avoiding defeat in their opening match against one of the tournament hosts, Sergej Barbarez’s side has every reason to believe it can compete for qualification from the group.
As the tournament continues, football fans across the region will be following both national teams closely. Croatia once again enters the World Cup with high expectations and a squad filled with international experience, while Bosnia and Herzegovina have already shown they are capable of challenging strong opponents on the world stage. Both teams have given the region plenty to be proud of, and supporters will hope their World Cup journeys continue long into the summer.
