England vs Croatia — FIFA World Cup 2026, Group L · Matchday 1
Wednesday 17 June 2026 | AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
The Stadium
AT&T Stadium is one of the most recognisable arenas in American sport. Home to the Dallas Cowboys of the NFL, it sits in Arlington, Texas, roughly midway between Dallas and Fort Worth, and its profile — a vast, silver-white arch rising above the flatlands of Tarrant County — has made it a landmark in its own right.
Opened in 2009, the building was designed by HKS Architects and immediately redefined what a stadium could look like in the modern era. The retractable roof means weather is rarely a factor for spectators, while the interior is defined by the two enormous high-definition video boards suspended above the playing field — at the time of opening, they were among the largest in the world and remain striking today. Natural grass panels are transported in and installed for events requiring a proper turf surface.
The stadium’s capacity for NFL games typically sits in the 80,000 range, though configurations for other events vary. For the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the venue is one of a cluster of sites across the United States hosting matches, and this Group L opener between England and Croatia is among the most anticipated fixtures of the group stage. The building has already demonstrated its ability to host high-profile international events — it staged WrestleMania, college football’s Cotton Bowl Classic, and NBA All-Star Game — and its World Cup role cements its standing as one of America’s premier multi-purpose venues.
Fans arriving for an evening kick-off should be prepared for the heat of a Texas June. Temperatures regularly exceed 95°F (35°C) in the afternoons, though the retractable roof and air conditioning inside the stadium mean the match itself will be played in controlled conditions. It is the walk to and from the venue that demands preparation.
Getting There
AT&T Stadium is not served by a direct rail line into its forecourt, which makes transport planning important. The easiest public-transit option is the Trinity Metro TEXRail commuter rail service, which connects Fort Worth’s T&D Central Station (near Fort Worth’s downtown) to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. However, for fans based in Dallas, the DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) light rail network runs to the CentrePort/DFW Airport station, where connections to the broader Arlington corridor are possible.
The City of Arlington itself does not have a light rail stop adjacent to the stadium. For match days, shuttle services typically run from designated park-and-ride locations and from nearby transit hubs — check the AT&T Stadium official site and the tournament’s official transport plan for confirmed 2026 arrangements, as enhanced services are expected given the World Cup influx.
From Dallas city centre, the drive to AT&T Stadium takes approximately 30–40 minutes in normal traffic, travelling west on I-30. Match-day congestion can push that significantly higher, so plan to arrive well in advance. Ride-share services (Uber and Lyft) operate extensively in the DFW metroplex and are a practical option, though surge pricing around a World Cup match should be expected.
Parking is available on-site and across numerous lots in the immediate vicinity, but spaces fill quickly for major events. Pre-booking a parking pass through the stadium’s official channels is strongly advised. Walking from the furthest lots to the gates is manageable, though again, the June heat makes early arrival sensible.
Travelling From Home Country of Each Team
For England fans: The primary transatlantic route will be into Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), which receives direct flights from London Heathrow (approximately 10–11 hours), London Gatwick, and Manchester. British Airways, American Airlines, and Virgin Atlantic all operate DFW routes. Dallas Love Field (DAL) is a secondary option but handles fewer transatlantic services. From DFW, getting to Arlington takes roughly 30–40 minutes by car or ride-share. Fans flying into Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and driving would be looking at a journey of around three hours each way — possible but not ideal unless combining the trip with other matches.
England are one of the most-supported national sides travelling to tournaments, so expect competition for flights in the days immediately before 17 June. Book early and consider flying into DFW two or three days ahead to enjoy Arlington and the wider Dallas–Fort Worth area.
For Croatia fans: Direct transatlantic services from Zagreb (ZAG) are limited. Most Croatian fans will connect through major European hubs — Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Paris, or London — before catching a transatlantic flight to DFW. Total journey times from Zagreb, including a connection, typically run to 14–18 hours depending on routing and layover. Split travellers will face similar connection requirements. Airlines such as Lufthansa, KLM, Air France, and American Airlines all offer connections via their respective hubs. As with England fans, arriving a day or two early is wise.
Tickets
Official tickets for FIFA World Cup 2026 matches are sold exclusively through FIFA’s official ticketing platform at FIFA.com. Allocation for high-profile group-stage matches like England vs Croatia is competitive — both nations carry large, passionate travelling followings, and this fixture has the added dimension of a tournament history between the two sides that will drive demand.
FIFA typically operates several sales phases ahead of the tournament: an initial ballot period, then first-come-first-served sales for remaining inventory, and a final resale window. Check FIFA.com for the current phase and any remaining availability. Do not purchase from unofficial resale sites unless they are explicitly authorised by FIFA — unauthorised tickets risk refusal at the turnstile.
For the secondary market, platforms such as StubHub and Viagogo will list tickets, but prices on the secondary market for England matches at major tournaments consistently run well above face value. Treat secondary market purchases with caution and verify the platform’s buyer-guarantee policy before committing.
Fan Zones and City Guide
FIFA and the host cities are expected to operate official fan zones across all 16 host cities for the 2026 tournament. For the Dallas–Fort Worth area, an official fan zone is anticipated — most likely in the vicinity of downtown Dallas or along the Uptown corridor — though confirmed details and exact locations were not finalised at time of writing. Monitor FIFA.com and the official Dallas 2026 host city channels for announcements.
For pre-match and post-match atmosphere, the entertainment district immediately surrounding AT&T Stadium — which also neighbours Globe Life Field (home of the Texas Rangers) and the Esports Stadium Arlington — has bars and restaurants geared toward event crowds. The Arlington Backyard, an outdoor venue adjacent to the stadium complex, has hosted live music and fan events during major events in the past.
For fans spending a day or two in Dallas itself, three things stand out:
- Deep Ellum — Dallas’s live music and craft-beer neighbourhood, just east of downtown. A reliable destination for a match-eve evening, with a strong selection of bars and no shortage of crowds who appreciate a pre-game atmosphere.
- Klyde Warren Park — a deck park built over the Woodall Rodgers Freeway linking downtown to Uptown. Food trucks, regular events, and a central gathering point. Worth an afternoon.
- The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza — for those interested in American history, this museum at the former Texas School Book Depository is a thoughtful and well-curated experience. A sobering counterpoint to the tournament buzz.
Watch the Match Remotely
If you cannot get to Arlington for the match, comprehensive broadcast information and a full match preview are available at the link below. Coverage will vary by territory — check your local broadcaster’s schedule for kick-off time in your time zone.
Full preview and where to watch
FAQ
- Where is England vs Croatia being played?
- England vs Croatia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup is being played at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Wednesday 17 June 2026. The stadium is located roughly midway between Dallas and Fort Worth in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex.
- How many fans does AT&T Stadium hold?
- AT&T Stadium's standard NFL configuration holds in the region of 80,000 spectators, though exact capacity for World Cup matches may differ based on FIFA's seating and configuration requirements. Official tournament figures will be confirmed by FIFA closer to the event.
- How do I get to AT&T Stadium from Dallas city centre?
- By car or ride-share, AT&T Stadium is approximately 30–40 minutes from Dallas city centre via I-30 westbound, though match-day traffic can extend that considerably. Arlington does not have a light rail stop at the stadium, so shuttle buses from park-and-ride sites and transit hubs are the main public transport option — confirm World Cup-specific shuttle arrangements via the AT&T Stadium website and the official Dallas 2026 host city information.
- Can I still buy tickets for England vs Croatia at the 2026 World Cup?
- Official tickets are sold through FIFA's ticketing platform at FIFA.com. Given the demand for an England vs Croatia fixture, availability may be limited — check the current sales phase on FIFA.com. Secondary market platforms will also list tickets, but expect prices significantly above face value, and only use platforms with a clear buyer-guarantee policy.
- What is there to do in Dallas for football fans visiting for the World Cup?
- Deep Ellum, Dallas's live-music and bar district east of downtown, is a strong choice for match-eve socialising. Klyde Warren Park in Uptown is a popular daytime gathering spot with food trucks and regular events. The entertainment precinct around AT&T Stadium itself — which includes the Arlington Backyard outdoor venue — is also geared toward large event crowds. An official FIFA fan zone for the Dallas area is expected; check FIFA.com and Dallas 2026 host city channels for confirmed details.