England defeated Croatia 4-2 in their opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Captain Harry Kane scored twice, while Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford each added a goal to secure the win for England. Kathmandu, June 17.
The first half ended in a 2-2 draw. Harry Kane gave England an early lead by converting a penalty in the 12th minute. Croatia’s goalkeeper Dominik Livaković saved Kane’s initial penalty attempt, but Kane successfully scored on the second attempt. England earned the penalty after Croatia captain Luka Modrić fouled Noni Moduakel.
Croatia’s Martin Baturina equalized in the 36th minute with a brilliant shot from outside the penalty box following a lay-off pass from Petar Susić. Kane then restored England’s lead in the 42nd minute by scoring from a corner taken by Declan Rice. However, Petar Musa brought Croatia level again at 2-2 during the fifth minute of first-half injury time.
In the second half, Jude Bellingham put England ahead 3-2 in the 47th minute, capitalizing on a pass from Elliott Anderson. Ultimately, Marcus Rashford sealed the victory with a goal in the 85th minute, assisted by Bukayo Saka.
