England vs Croatia Preview & Prediction: 2026 FIFA World Cup Group L

England vs Croatia Preview. England open their 2026 FIFA World Cup Group L campaign against Croatia at AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas on Wednesday, 17 June 2026 (22:00 SAST (Wednesday, 17 June 2026)). Tuchel’s Three Lions won all eight qualifiers. Croatia are major tournament specialists who reached the 2018 final and 2022 third-place finish. Our prediction: England to win. Full analysis, team news, line-ups and all markets on SportPesa. cricket-ipl.in

Match details

England’s World Cup ambition vs Croatia’s tournament pedigree

England arrive at the 2026 FIFA World Cup carrying the weight of an unbeaten qualification campaign and the pressure of a football public that has waited 60 years for global glory. Thomas Tuchel’s side secured eight wins from eight in qualifying, keeping a clean sheet in every match. By those metrics, the Three Lions are one of the most convincing qualifiers in European football.

Yet pre-tournament warm-up results tempered expectations. Unconvincing performances against Uruguay, Japan, and New Zealand raised questions about England’s ability to break down organised defensive opposition. A more settled performance in the final friendly against Costa Rica — where Tuchel fielded a stronger lineup — provided some reassurance. England have traditionally started World Cups well, losing only once in their last eight opening matches. Harry Kane leads the attack as captain, with Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice the creative and defensive midfield anchors.

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Croatia are perennial overachievers at major tournaments. Runners-up in 2018, third place in 2022 — Zlatko Dalić’s Vatreni consistently punch above their weight on the global stage. They qualified impressively, dropping just two points in their campaign. Their pre-tournament form was less convincing — consecutive defeats against Brazil and Belgium exposed defensive vulnerabilities, before a narrow win over Slovenia restored some confidence. Croatia have conceded in each of their last six matches, which is a notable concern against England’s attacking quality.

The 2018 World Cup semi-final remains the defining recent chapter of this rivalry: Croatia’s extra-time victory that denied England a place in the final. England have since remained unbeaten in three subsequent meetings. The footballing narrative is rich and both sets of players will be aware of it.

Group L also features Ghana and Panama, who play each other on 18 June. A win here gives either England or Croatia early control of the group.

Team news and expected line-ups

England: Bukayo Saka remains a slight doubt after recent fitness issues. If he fails to start, Noni Madueke takes his place on the right wing. Jude Bellingham plays behind Kane. Declan Rice anchors the midfield. Anthony Gordon expected to feature in attack. John Stones and Ezri Konsa contest the centre-back positions. Jordan Pickford in goal.

Croatia: Fully fit squad available. Luka Modrić orchestrates from midfield alongside Mateo Kovačić. Ivan Perišić remains a key attacking outlet. Petar Musa is expected to start up front after his impressive MLS goalscoring form. Luka Vušković is expected to partner Joško Gvardiol in defence.

Line-ups below are expected XIs. Update once confirmed XIs released before kick-off. Confirm Saka fitness.

Key stats

• England: W8 D0 L0 in 2026 World Cup qualifying, keeping a clean sheet in every match.
• England: won 6 of last 8 matches in all competitions.
• England: lost only 1 of their last 8 World Cup opening matches.
• England: have not won the World Cup since 1966.
• Bukayo Saka (Arsenal): slight fitness doubt. Madueke expected if he does not start.
• Harry Kane (Bayern Munich): England captain and all-time leading scorer.
• Jude Bellingham: creative fulcrum of England’s midfield and attack.
• Croatia: runners-up at 2018 World Cup; third place at 2022 World Cup.
• Croatia: dropped just 2 points in 2026 qualifying.
• Croatia: conceded in each of their last 6 matches — defensive vulnerability flagged.
• Croatia: consecutive pre-tournament defeats to Brazil and Belgium; beat Slovenia narrowly.
• Luka Modric: 38 years old. One of the greatest midfielders of his generation.
• Petar Musa: MLS goalscoring form gives him the starting striker role ahead of others.
• H2H: Croatia beat England in the 2018 World Cup semi-final (extra time). England unbeaten in 3 meetings since.
• Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama.

Head-to-head

The defining meeting remains the 2018 World Cup semi-final in Moscow, where Croatia came from behind to beat England 2-1 after extra time. England had led through a Kieran Trippier free kick. Croatia’s victory went on to reach the final, where they lost to France. England have since beaten Croatia in three subsequent meetings at Euro 2020 (1-0) and the UEFA Nations League, and are unbeaten in those encounters.

Current form

Our prediction

England have greater depth across the pitch and arrive in better shape than Croatia despite the warm-up concerns. Tuchel’s qualifying record — eight wins, eight clean sheets — reflects a well-organised side. Kane, Bellingham, and Gordon should have enough quality to expose Croatia’s defensive vulnerabilities, which have been evident across their last six matches.

Croatia’s midfield — Modrić, Kovačić — remains one of the most technically accomplished partnerships in international football, and they have the experience to make the occasion difficult. Their tournament pedigree cannot be dismissed. However, consecutive losses to Brazil and Belgium ahead of this match suggest a side not yet at their best.

England have the quality advantage and the stronger recent record against this opposition. A competitive match, but England should take the points.

Our prediction: England to win.

Odds and markets

Odds correct at 2200hrs UTC on 17/06/26 and subject to change.

How to bet on SportPesa

1. Open the England vs Croatia event page on SportPesa (link above).
2. Choose your market — Single Bet (SB), Multi-Bet (MB), or Live Bet (LB) once the match starts.
3. Enter your stake and place your bet.

Frequently asked questions

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What time does England vs Croatia kick off?

Kick-off is at 22:00 SAST (Wednesday, 17 June 2026) on Wednesday, 17 June 2026, at AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas, USA.

What happened when England and Croatia last met?

Their most significant recent meeting was the 2018 FIFA World Cup semi-final in Moscow, where Croatia came from behind to beat England 2-1 after extra time. Since then, England have been unbeaten in three meetings, including a 1-0 victory at UEFA Euro 2020.

What group are England and Croatia in at World Cup 2026?

Both sides are in Group L alongside Ghana and Panama.

Has England won the World Cup?

England won the FIFA World Cup on home soil in 1966, defeating West Germany 4-2 in the final at Wembley. It remains their only World Cup title.

Who are England’s key players at World Cup 2026?

Harry Kane leads the attack as captain. Jude Bellingham is the creative fulcrum operating in the number 10 role. Declan Rice anchors the midfield. Bukayo Saka is a slight fitness doubt for the opener.

Who are Croatia’s key players at World Cup 2026?

Luka Modrić, 38, continues to orchestrate Croatia’s midfield in what is expected to be his final World Cup appearance. Mateo Kovačić partners him centrally. Petar Musa leads the attack after strong MLS form, with Ivan Perišić an experienced wide option.

READ ALSO : Mexico vs South Korea

C’est officiel ! Bernardo Silva est un nouveau joueur du Real Madrid. Le club espagnol a annoncé ce 17 juin l’arrivée du milieu portugais, qui s’est engagé pour les deux prochaines saisons.

Le Real Madrid frappe fort

Au revoir Manchester City, bonjour Madrid. Après avoir renforcé son effectif ces dernières semaines avec Cucurella ou encore José Mourinho, le Real Madrid s’offre un nouveau renfort de poids avec la signature de Bernardo Silva.

Dans un communiqué officiel, le club madrilène a confirmé avoir trouvé un accord avec le joueur portugais. Libre depuis son départ de Manchester City, annoncé il y a plusieurs semaines, le milieu offensif s’est engagé jusqu’au 30 juin 2028.

Une référence du football européen

Avec cette arrivée, les Merengue mettent la main sur l’un des joueurs les plus expérimentés du football européen. Arrivé chez les Citizens en 2017, Bernardo Silva aura marqué l’histoire du club anglais en remportant pas moins de 19 trophées, dont la Ligue des champions en 2023.

Grâce à sa polyvalence, sa qualité technique et sa vision du jeu, le Portugais devrait rapidement devenir un élément important du dispositif madrilène.

Rendez-vous après la Coupe du monde

Actuellement mobilisé avec le Portugal pour la Coupe du monde 2026, Bernardo Silva reste concentré sur les objectifs de sa sélection nationale. Les Portugais affronteront la République démocratique du Congo, l’Ouzbékistan et la Colombie lors de la phase de groupes.

Le milieu de terrain rejoindra officiellement ses nouveaux coéquipiers du Real Madrid à l’issue du tournoi mondial, avec l’ambition d’ajouter de nouvelles lignes à un palmarès déjà bien fourni.

The post Real Madrid : Bernardo Silva signe chez les Merengue appeared first on AfricaFootUnited.

Springbok centre André Esterhuizen is excited for the challenge provided by an experienced Barbarians midfield in Gqeberha on Saturday.

The Baa-Baas have paired Munster’s Alex Nankivell with former France international Virimi Vakatawa.

New Zealander Nankivell made 20 appearances for Munster this past season and was a key figure in the Irish club’s run to the Vodacom URC playoffs.

Vakatawa, meanwhile, featured in 10 matches for the Fijian Drua in Super Rugby Pacific and brings a wealth of experience, having earned 32 Test caps for France.

“It’s a powerhouse centre pairing,” said Esterhuizen, who will start alongside Jesse Kriel in the Bok midfield.

“Alex Nankivell is a strong, abrasive runner with good offloading skills and good distribution.

“And we’ve all seen Virimi Vakatawa play for France. He’s a very experienced centre who’s been around for a long time. He’s also a strong ball-carrier.

“So it’s going to be a good battle in the centres. I’m excited for the challenge. It’s going to be a good one.”

TEAM: Saffas bolster Baa-Baas for Bok clash

While the Barbarians are renowned for their attacking approach, Esterhuizen insists the Springboks will treat the non-cap clash like a Test.

“We just want to go out there and play our game,” he said. “I know it’s a Barbarians game and everyone looks at it and thinks it can be loose. They might want to make it loose, but we’re just going to stick to our processes as we do in every other game.

“For us, it’s a normal Test. That’s how we’re going to handle it and go into the game. Hopefully we’ll be successful in doing that.”

MORE: Mallett likes ‘left-field’ Horn selection

One of the most intriguing Springbok selections is the decision to start Lions fullback Quan Horn at flyhalf.

The 24-year-old will make just his second appearance in the green and gold after earning a Test cap off the bench against Portugal in Bloemfontein in 2024.

“I think we can all agree he’s a very good player, with a lot of skill and a good reading of the game,” said Esterhuizen.

“I think he’s slotted into the No 10 position very well in training. He’s been working hard and learning on the go.

“But with support inside and outside him, players who can help him and guide him, I think he’ll be very good in that position.

“And it’s a great option to have as a utility back.”

RASSIE: Boks see something in Quan at 10

Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images

The post André eyes ‘powerhouse’ Baa-Baas centre pairing appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.

Trois provinces sont désormais touchées par l’épidémie d’Ebola en RDC, l'Ituri, épicentre du virus, mais aussi le Nord et le Sud Kivu. Des régions déjà affectées par l'instabilité et la violence des milices. L'Organisation mondiale de la santé estime qu'un peu plus de 800 personnes ont été infectées par le virus, pour environ 200 décès. Le G7 a appelé mardi à une réponse forte et coordonnée pour faire face à cette crise.

Mexico vs South Korea Prediction. Mexico and South Korea — both winners on Match Day 1 — meet at Akron Stadium, Guadalajara on Friday, 19 June 2026 (03:00 SAST (Friday, 19 June 2026)) . The winner advances to the Round of 16 with a game to spare. Mexico won 2-0 vs South Africa; South Korea won 2-1 vs Czech Republic. Our prediction: both teams to score. Full analysis, team news, H2H and all markets on SportPesa.

Match details

Win and you’re through: the stakes at Akron Stadium

Both teams enter this fixture on the back of opening victories and both know exactly what is at stake. Win, and Group A qualification is effectively secured heading into the third match. Lose, and the final group fixture becomes a potential elimination game.

Mexico’s opening 2-0 victory over South Africa was played on home soil in a ferocious atmosphere at Mexico City. Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez scored the decisive goals. The match was not without controversy — César Montes received a red card late in the game. His availability for this fixture must be confirmed by the editorial team before publish. Coach Javier Aguirre has no other injury concerns and is expected to lean on his experienced squad, with Guillermo Ochoa, Edson Álvarez, and Jesús Gallardo all fit.

South Korea’s 2-1 comeback win over Czech Republic demonstrated exactly the fighting spirit Hong Myung-bo’s side is capable of. Going behind to Ladislav Krejčí’s header, they responded through Hwang Inbeom’s equaliser and Oh Hyeongyu’s late winner. Captain Son Heung-min leads the side alongside Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich) in defence, Hwang Hee-chan, and Lee Kang-in. No injuries reported.

Mexico have the home advantage and the crowd. South Korea have the momentum and the quality to make this a genuine contest. The 14-match head-to-head between these sides reflects a historically competitive relationship.

Suspension and availability update

Team news and expected line-ups

Note: César Montes inclusion below is based on the KE source article. His red card vs South Africa must be confirmed as not carrying a suspension before naming him in the XI. Update accordingly.

Key stats

• Mexico: co-host nation. Beat South Africa 2-0 in their Group A opener. Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez scored.
• Mexico: César Montes sent off late vs South Africa — suspension status must be confirmed.
• Mexico: have a perfect record against South Korea at World Cups — beat them 2-1 at the 2018 World Cup.
• Mexico form (last 5): {{CONFIRM with editorial}}.
• South Korea: beat Czech Republic 2-1 via a comeback in their Group A opener. Hwang Inbeom (67′) and Oh Hyeongyu (80′) scored.
• Son Heung-min: South Korea captain. One of the most recognised players in world football.
• Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich): anchors South Korea’s defence.
• South Korea: have beaten Mexico in previous meetings, including at the 2006 World Cup and 2001 Confederations Cup.
• H2H (last 5 meetings): Sept 2025 – Mexico 2-2 South Korea (Friendly); Nov 2020 – Mexico 3-2 South Korea (Friendly); Jun 2018 – South Korea 1-2 Mexico (World Cup); Jan 2014 – Mexico 4-0 South Korea (Friendly); Jul 2012 – Mexico 0-0 South Korea (Olympics).
• Overall H2H: 14 meetings across all competitions.
• Group A standings (after Match Day 1): Mexico 3pts, South Korea 3pts, Czech Republic 0pts, South Africa 0pts.

Head-to-head

These two nations have a rich and relatively recent World Cup history. Their most significant encounter was at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, where Mexico won 2-1, contributing to their perfect World Cup record against South Korea. South Korea have beaten Mexico in other competitions, including a victory at the 2006 World Cup and the 2001 FIFA Confederations Cup, making this a genuinely even overall series across 14 meetings.

Our prediction

Mexico have the home advantage, a passionate crowd in Guadalajara, and the momentum of a dominant opening win. Aguirre’s side will want to secure qualification early and put themselves in control of Group A.

South Korea are no ordinary opposition. Son, Kim Min-jae, Hwang Hee-chan, and Lee Kang-in represent a squad with genuine technical quality and the proven ability to come from behind under pressure. Their 2-1 win over Czech Republic showed they can find goals and fight until the end. Mexico’s history against South Korea at World Cups is a strength, but the Taegeuk Warriors will not concede that record lightly.

Both sides have shown they can score and both will be going for the win. Goals from both sides is the most defensible prediction in what is set to be one of the standout Group A fixtures.

Our prediction: both teams to score.

Odds and markets

Odds correct at 0300 hrs UTC on 19/06/2026 and subject to change.

How to bet on SportPesa

1. Open the Mexico vs South Korea event page on SportPesa (link above).
2. Choose your market — Single Bet (SB), Multi-Bet (MB), or Live Bet (LB) once the match starts.
3. Enter your stake and place your bet.

Frequently asked questions

What time does Mexico vs South Korea kick off?

Kick-off is at 03:00 SAST (Friday, 19 June 2026) on Friday, 19 June 2026, at Estadio Akron, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico.

What happened in Mexico’s first match at World Cup 2026?

Mexico beat South Africa 2-0 in their Group A opener in Mexico City. Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez scored. The match also saw three red cards — two for South Africa and one for Mexico’s César Montes late in the game.

What happened in South Korea’s first match at World Cup 2026?

South Korea came from behind to beat Czech Republic 2-1 in their Group A opener. Hwang Inbeom equalised in the 67th minute and Oh Hyeongyu scored the winner in the 80th minute after the Czech Republic had taken the lead through a Ladislav Krejčí header.

What is the Mexico vs South Korea World Cup head-to-head record?

Mexico have a perfect record against South Korea at World Cups, winning 2-1 in 2018 in Russia. Overall across all competitions, the sides have met 14 times, with South Korea also recording victories at the 2006 World Cup and the 2001 FIFA Confederations Cup.

What group are Mexico and South Korea in at World Cup 2026?

Both sides are in Group A alongside Czech Republic and South Africa. After Match Day 1, Mexico and South Korea are both on three points, while Czech Republic and South Africa have zero.

READ ALSO : Uzbekistan vs Colombia.