Modrić leads Croatia into World Cup opener against England

It starts tonight in Dallas

Your team walks into Dallas Stadium tonight. England are waiting. Group L, matchday one, and Luka Modrić leads the Vatreni into his final World Cup (2).

Thomas Tuchel's England have prepared for everything, set-pieces, the referee, and the weight of favouritism at their first major tournament under the German (3) (6). Modrić remains the player Jordan Henderson called the best midfielder he ever faced. That pedigree is what Croatia bring into this opener.

The betting world sees one winner

England are heavily favoured. CBS Sports' expert, on a 31–13 run, has made his pick, and the market expects Croatia to struggle (5). Your team has been here before. Underestimation is not new.

Fan-reaktioner

The mood among Croatia supporters is sentimental but not defeated. The Reddit preview calls this "The Last Dance of the Vatreni's Legend," with fans still haunted by Zaccagni's 98th-minute equaliser that knocked Croatia out of Euro 2024. There is a sense this group knows how to suffer and how to surprise. Read the full preview.