England forward Harry Kane (9) celebrate his second goal during the first half of FIFA World Cup Group L match against Croatia, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 , at Dallas Stadium in Dallas.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
ARLINGTON — Harry Kane wasn’t born until 1993, so he certainly shouldn’t have to shoulder the full weight of England’s 59-year, 10-month, 18-day World Cup drought.
But as the Three Lions’ electrifying striker and captain of eight years, Kane bears the inordinate brunt, not that it showed in his or England’s performance in Wednesday’s 4-2 victory over Croatia, the 2026 World Cup opener for both teams in Dallas Stadium.
With North Texas sports icons Dirk Nowitzki and Emmitt Smith among the sellout crowd of 70,389, 32-year-old Kane augmented the rollicking afternoon’s superstar flavor with English accent, scoring his team’s first two goals.
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So far, in two of the World Cup-high nine matches it will host, fans in Dallas Stadium have seen 10 goals scored — all in the last three halves.
RELATED: Despite FIFA’s best efforts, the World Cup at ‘Dallas Stadium’ is off to a crackin’ start
England forward Harry Kane (9) celebrate his second goal during the first half of FIFA World Cup Group L match against Croatia, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 , at Dallas Stadium in Dallas.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
“Part of every major tournament is for the fans to be excited, to enjoy the summer,” Kane said. “I remember being young, singing the songs, watching the games and believing it was our time to win a World Cup.”
England fans arrive at Dallas Stadium for a FIFA World Cup Group L soccer match against Croatia in Arlington, June 17, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
The flags of England (left) and Croatia are spread across the pitch as the players encircle the center emblem for the national anthems before a FIFA World Cup Group L soccer match at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, June 17, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
England and Croatia players along with officials march onto the pitch and encircle a lay-flat mural of the world before a FIFA World Cup Group L soccer match at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, June 17, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
England fans celebrate their win over Croatia in a FIFA World Cup Group L soccer match at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, June 17, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
England midfielder Elliot Anderson (8) raises his arms as time expires on their 4-2 win over Croatia in a FIFA World Cup Group L soccer match at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, June 17, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
England fans reach for a soccer ball that was kicked high over the goal during the second half of a FIFA World Cup Group L soccer match against Croatia at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, June 17, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
It was standing room only on the staircases as England fans watch their team defeat Croatia in the final minute of their FIFA World Cup Group L soccer match at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, June 17, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
England forward Marcus Rashford (11) is congratulated by teammate Harry Kane (9) following his second half goal against Croatia in a FIFA World Cup Group L soccer match at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, June 17, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
England forward Marcus Rashford (11) is mobbed by teammates after scoring a second half goal against Croatia in a FIFA World Cup Group L soccer match at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, June 17, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
England forward Marcus Rashford (11) celebrates following his second half goal against Croatia in a FIFA World Cup Group L soccer match at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, June 17, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic (1) dives and forward Ivan Perišic (14) slides in vein as England forward Marcus Rashford’s goal slices between them in the second half of a FIFA World Cup Group L soccer match at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, June 17, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
Former Dallas Cowboys players Dez Bryant (left) and Emmitt Smith are shown on the video board during the second half of a FIFA World Cup Group L soccer match between England and Croatia at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, June 17, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic (1) clears the ball as England forward Harry Kane (9) attempts to score during the second half of a FIFA World Cup Group L soccer match at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, June 17, 2026. Croatia defender Josip Stanišic (2) provided the bloack on the play.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
Croatia forward Petar Musa (26) of FC Dallas reacts after scoring a first half goal in a FIFA World Cup Group L soccer match at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, June 17, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
Croatia forward Petar Musa (right) of FC Dallas reacts after scoring a first half goal in a FIFA World Cup Group L soccer match at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, June 17, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
Croatia forward Petar Musa (26) of FC Dallas reacts after scoring a first half goal in a FIFA World Cup Group L soccer match at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, June 17, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
Croatia forward Petar Musa (26) of FC Dallas shoots and scores on England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford (1) during the first half of a FIFA World Cup Group L soccer match at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, June 17, 2026. England defender Reece James (24) was covering on the play.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
England forward Harry Kane (9) celebrates after scoring a first half goal against Croatia during the first half of a FIFA World Cup Group L soccer match at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, June 17, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
Croatia fans celebrate Martin Baturina’s first half goal against England in a FIFA World Cup Group L soccer match at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, June 17, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
Croatia forward Marco Pašalic (24) is pushed in the back by England defender Reece James (24) as he went up to head the ball during the first half of a FIFA World Cup Group L soccer match at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, June 17, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
England forward Harry Kane (9) scores on a penally kick as Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic (1) drove the wrong direction during the first half of a FIFA World Cup Group L soccer match at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, June 17, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic (1) stops a England shot during the first half of a FIFA World Cup Group L soccer match at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, June 17, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
England fans cheers following their side’ win against Croatia in FIFA World Cup Group L match, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 , at Dallas Stadium in Dallas.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
An England fan cheers following their side’s win against Croatia in FIFA World Cup Group L match, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 , at Dallas Stadium in Dallas.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
An England fan cheers following their side’s win against Croatia in FIFA World Cup Group L match, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 , at Dallas Stadium in Dallas.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
England players greets the fans following their side’s win against Croatia in FIFA World Cup Group L match, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 , at Dallas Stadium in Dallas.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
Croatia forward Ivan Perišic (14) greets England forward Harry Kane (9) following a FIFA World Cup Group L match, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 , at Dallas Stadium in Dallas. England wins 4-2.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
England forward Harry Kane (9) greets his teammates following their side’s win against Croatia in FIFA World Cup Group L match, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 , at Dallas Stadium in Dallas.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
England crowned cheers following their side’s win against Croatia during FIFA World Cup Group L match, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 , at Dallas Stadium in Dallas.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
England defender Nico O’Reilly (3) clears the ball with a header against Croatia defender Josip Šutalo (6) during the second half of FIFA World Cup Group L match, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 , at Dallas Stadium in Dallas.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
Croatia forward Ivan Perišic (14) crosses the ball against England midfielder Morgan Rogers (17) during the second half of FIFA World Cup Group L match, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 , at Dallas Stadium in Dallas.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
England defender Ezri Konsa (2) and defender John Stones (5) celebrates following their side’s third goal during the second half of FIFA World Cup Group L match against Croatia, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 , at Dallas Stadium in Dallas.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
Electronic board displaying the attendee of the FIFA World Cup Group L match between England and Croatia, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 , at Dallas Stadium in Dallas.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
Croatia forward Ivan Perišic (14) reacts towards the referee after a foul call against him during the second half of FIFA World Cup Group L match against England, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 , at Dallas Stadium in Dallas.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
Croatia forward Petar Musa (26) charges England midfielder Elliot Anderson (8) during the second half of FIFA World Cup Group L match, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 , at Dallas Stadium in Dallas.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
England defender Reece James (24) passes past Croatia forward Ivan Perišic (14) during the second half of FIFA World Cup Group L, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 , at Dallas Stadium in Dallas.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
England midfielder Elliot Anderson (8) passes the ball against Croatia defender Josip Stanišic (2) during the second half of FIFA World Cup Group L match, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 , at Dallas Stadium in Dallas.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
England midfielder Jude Bellingham (10) dribbles out and controls the ball against Croatia midfielder Martin Baturina (16) during the second half of FIFA World Cup Group L match against Croatia, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 , at Dallas Stadium in Dallas.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
England midfielder Jude Bellingham (10) dribbles out the ball from Croatia midfielder Martin Baturina (16) during the second half of FIFA World Cup Group L match against Croatia, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 , at Dallas Stadium in Dallas.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic (1) blocks a header by England defender Nico O’Reilly (3) during the second half of FIFA World Cup Group L, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 , at Dallas Stadium in Dallas.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
England crowd cheers following a goal by midfielder Jude Bellingham (10) during the second half of FIFA World Cup Group L match against Croatia, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 , at Dallas Stadium in Dallas.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
England midfielder Jude Bellingham (10) celebrates after scoring goal during the second half of FIFA World Cup Group L match against Croatia, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 , at Dallas Stadium in Dallas.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
England midfielder Jude Bellingham (10) celebrates after scoring goal during the second half of FIFA World Cup Group L match against Croatia, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 , at Dallas Stadium in Dallas.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
Croatia forward Petar Musa (26) celebrates after scoring a goal during the first half of a FIFA World Cup Group L soccer match against England, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 , at Dallas Stadium in Dallas.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
Croatia forward Petar Musa (26) celebrates after scoring a goal during the first half of a FIFA World Cup Group L soccer match against England, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 , at Dallas Stadium in Dallas.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
Croatia forward Petar Musa (26) celebrates after scoring a goal during the first half of a FIFA World Cup Group L soccer match against England, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 , at Dallas Stadium in Dallas.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
Croatia forward Petar Musa (26) shoots for a goal during the first half of a FIFA World Cup Group L soccer match against England, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 , at Dallas Stadium in Dallas.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
England midfielder Jude Bellingham (10) reacts towards Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic (1) after a goal by forward Harry Kane (9) during the first half of a FIFA World Cup Group L soccer match, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 , at Dallas Stadium in Dallas.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
Croatia fans celebrates following their side’s first goal during the first half of FIFA World Cup Group L match against England, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 , at Dallas Stadium in Dallas.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
England midfielder Jude Bellingham (10) reacts after missing to score during the first half of FIFA World Cup Group L match against Croatia, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 , at Dallas Stadium in Dallas.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
England forward Harry Kane (9) celebrates after scoring the first goal from a penalty during the first half of FIFA World Cup Group L match against Croatia, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 , at Dallas Stadium in Dallas.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
England forward Harry Kane (9) celebrates after scoring the first goal from a penalty during the first half of FIFA World Cup Group L match against Croatia, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 , at Dallas Stadium in Dallas.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
Croatia team trainers sing the National anthem ahead of FIFA World Cup Group L soccer match against England, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 , at Dallas Stadium in Dallas.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic (1) watches the ball for a penalty goal by England forward Harry Kane (9) during the first half of FIFA World Cup Group L match, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 , at Dallas Stadium in Dallas.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
Presentation ceremony undergoes ahead of FIFA World Cup Group L soccer match between England and Croatia, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 , at Dallas Stadium in Dallas.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
Croatia players pose for a photo ahead of an FIFA World Cup Group L match against England, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 , at Dallas Stadium in Dallas.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
Croatia players sings the national anthem ahead of an FIFA World Cup Group L match against England, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 , at Dallas Stadium in Arlington.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
England fans cheer ahead of an FIFA World Cup Group L match against Croatia, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 , at Dallas Stadium in Arlington.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
Croatia forward Ivan Perišic (14) warms up ahead of FIFA World Cup Group L soccer match against England, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 , at Dallas Stadium in Dallas.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
Croatia forward Ivan Perišic (14) warms up ahead of FIFA World Cup Group L soccer match against England, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 , at Dallas Stadium in Dallas.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
An England fan displays a flag on the stands ahead of World Cup soccer match between England and Croatia, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 , at Dallas Stadium in Dallas.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
England fans arrive at Dallas Stadium for a FIFA World Cup Group L soccer match against Croatia in Arlington, June 17, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
The flags of England (left) and Croatia are spread across the pitch as the players encircle the center emblem for the national anthems before a FIFA World Cup Group L soccer match at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, June 17, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
England and Croatia players along with officials march onto the pitch and encircle a lay-flat mural of the world before a FIFA World Cup Group L soccer match at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, June 17, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
England fans celebrate their win over Croatia in a FIFA World Cup Group L soccer match at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, June 17, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
England midfielder Elliot Anderson (8) raises his arms as time expires on their 4-2 win over Croatia in a FIFA World Cup Group L soccer match at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, June 17, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
England fans reach for a soccer ball that was kicked high over the goal during the second half of a FIFA World Cup Group L soccer match against Croatia at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, June 17, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
It was standing room only on the staircases as England fans watch their team defeat Croatia in the final minute of their FIFA World Cup Group L soccer match at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, June 17, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
England forward Marcus Rashford (11) is congratulated by teammate Harry Kane (9) following his second half goal against Croatia in a FIFA World Cup Group L soccer match at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, June 17, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
England forward Marcus Rashford (11) is mobbed by teammates after scoring a second half goal against Croatia in a FIFA World Cup Group L soccer match at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, June 17, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
England forward Marcus Rashford (11) celebrates following his second half goal against Croatia in a FIFA World Cup Group L soccer match at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, June 17, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic (1) dives and forward Ivan Perišic (14) slides in vein as England forward Marcus Rashford’s goal slices between them in the second half of a FIFA World Cup Group L soccer match at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, June 17, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
Former Dallas Cowboys players Dez Bryant (left) and Emmitt Smith are shown on the video board during the second half of a FIFA World Cup Group L soccer match between England and Croatia at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, June 17, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic (1) clears the ball as England forward Harry Kane (9) attempts to score during the second half of a FIFA World Cup Group L soccer match at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, June 17, 2026. Croatia defender Josip Stanišic (2) provided the bloack on the play.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
Croatia forward Petar Musa (26) of FC Dallas reacts after scoring a first half goal in a FIFA World Cup Group L soccer match at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, June 17, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
Croatia forward Petar Musa (right) of FC Dallas reacts after scoring a first half goal in a FIFA World Cup Group L soccer match at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, June 17, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
Croatia forward Petar Musa (26) of FC Dallas reacts after scoring a first half goal in a FIFA World Cup Group L soccer match at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, June 17, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
Croatia forward Petar Musa (26) of FC Dallas shoots and scores on England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford (1) during the first half of a FIFA World Cup Group L soccer match at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, June 17, 2026. England defender Reece James (24) was covering on the play.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
England forward Harry Kane (9) celebrates after scoring a first half goal against Croatia during the first half of a FIFA World Cup Group L soccer match at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, June 17, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
Croatia fans celebrate Martin Baturina’s first half goal against England in a FIFA World Cup Group L soccer match at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, June 17, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
Croatia forward Marco Pašalic (24) is pushed in the back by England defender Reece James (24) as he went up to head the ball during the first half of a FIFA World Cup Group L soccer match at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, June 17, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
England forward Harry Kane (9) scores on a penally kick as Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic (1) drove the wrong direction during the first half of a FIFA World Cup Group L soccer match at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, June 17, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic (1) stops a England shot during the first half of a FIFA World Cup Group L soccer match at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, June 17, 2026.
Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News
England fans cheers following their side’ win against Croatia in FIFA World Cup Group L match, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 , at Dallas Stadium in Dallas.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
An England fan cheers following their side’s win against Croatia in FIFA World Cup Group L match, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 , at Dallas Stadium in Dallas.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
An England fan cheers following their side’s win against Croatia in FIFA World Cup Group L match, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 , at Dallas Stadium in Dallas.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
England players greets the fans following their side’s win against Croatia in FIFA World Cup Group L match, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 , at Dallas Stadium in Dallas.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
Croatia forward Ivan Perišic (14) greets England forward Harry Kane (9) following a FIFA World Cup Group L match, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 , at Dallas Stadium in Dallas. England wins 4-2.
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England forward Harry Kane (9) greets his teammates following their side’s win against Croatia in FIFA World Cup Group L match, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 , at Dallas Stadium in Dallas.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
England crowned cheers following their side’s win against Croatia during FIFA World Cup Group L match, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 , at Dallas Stadium in Dallas.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
England defender Nico O’Reilly (3) clears the ball with a header against Croatia defender Josip Šutalo (6) during the second half of FIFA World Cup Group L match, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 , at Dallas Stadium in Dallas.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
Croatia forward Ivan Perišic (14) crosses the ball against England midfielder Morgan Rogers (17) during the second half of FIFA World Cup Group L match, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 , at Dallas Stadium in Dallas.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
England defender Ezri Konsa (2) and defender John Stones (5) celebrates following their side’s third goal during the second half of FIFA World Cup Group L match against Croatia, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 , at Dallas Stadium in Dallas.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
Electronic board displaying the attendee of the FIFA World Cup Group L match between England and Croatia, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 , at Dallas Stadium in Dallas.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
Croatia forward Ivan Perišic (14) reacts towards the referee after a foul call against him during the second half of FIFA World Cup Group L match against England, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 , at Dallas Stadium in Dallas.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
Croatia forward Petar Musa (26) charges England midfielder Elliot Anderson (8) during the second half of FIFA World Cup Group L match, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 , at Dallas Stadium in Dallas.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
England defender Reece James (24) passes past Croatia forward Ivan Perišic (14) during the second half of FIFA World Cup Group L, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 , at Dallas Stadium in Dallas.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
England midfielder Elliot Anderson (8) passes the ball against Croatia defender Josip Stanišic (2) during the second half of FIFA World Cup Group L match, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 , at Dallas Stadium in Dallas.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
England midfielder Jude Bellingham (10) dribbles out and controls the ball against Croatia midfielder Martin Baturina (16) during the second half of FIFA World Cup Group L match against Croatia, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 , at Dallas Stadium in Dallas.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
England midfielder Jude Bellingham (10) dribbles out the ball from Croatia midfielder Martin Baturina (16) during the second half of FIFA World Cup Group L match against Croatia, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 , at Dallas Stadium in Dallas.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic (1) blocks a header by England defender Nico O’Reilly (3) during the second half of FIFA World Cup Group L, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 , at Dallas Stadium in Dallas.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
England crowd cheers following a goal by midfielder Jude Bellingham (10) during the second half of FIFA World Cup Group L match against Croatia, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 , at Dallas Stadium in Dallas.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
England midfielder Jude Bellingham (10) celebrates after scoring goal during the second half of FIFA World Cup Group L match against Croatia, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 , at Dallas Stadium in Dallas.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
England midfielder Jude Bellingham (10) celebrates after scoring goal during the second half of FIFA World Cup Group L match against Croatia, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 , at Dallas Stadium in Dallas.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
Croatia forward Petar Musa (26) celebrates after scoring a goal during the first half of a FIFA World Cup Group L soccer match against England, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 , at Dallas Stadium in Dallas.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
Croatia forward Petar Musa (26) celebrates after scoring a goal during the first half of a FIFA World Cup Group L soccer match against England, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 , at Dallas Stadium in Dallas.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
Croatia forward Petar Musa (26) celebrates after scoring a goal during the first half of a FIFA World Cup Group L soccer match against England, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 , at Dallas Stadium in Dallas.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
Croatia forward Petar Musa (26) shoots for a goal during the first half of a FIFA World Cup Group L soccer match against England, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 , at Dallas Stadium in Dallas.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
England midfielder Jude Bellingham (10) reacts towards Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic (1) after a goal by forward Harry Kane (9) during the first half of a FIFA World Cup Group L soccer match, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 , at Dallas Stadium in Dallas.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
Croatia fans celebrates following their side’s first goal during the first half of FIFA World Cup Group L match against England, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 , at Dallas Stadium in Dallas.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
England midfielder Jude Bellingham (10) reacts after missing to score during the first half of FIFA World Cup Group L match against Croatia, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 , at Dallas Stadium in Dallas.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
England forward Harry Kane (9) celebrates after scoring the first goal from a penalty during the first half of FIFA World Cup Group L match against Croatia, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 , at Dallas Stadium in Dallas.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
England forward Harry Kane (9) celebrates after scoring the first goal from a penalty during the first half of FIFA World Cup Group L match against Croatia, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 , at Dallas Stadium in Dallas.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
Croatia team trainers sing the National anthem ahead of FIFA World Cup Group L soccer match against England, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 , at Dallas Stadium in Dallas.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic (1) watches the ball for a penalty goal by England forward Harry Kane (9) during the first half of FIFA World Cup Group L match, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 , at Dallas Stadium in Dallas.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
Presentation ceremony undergoes ahead of FIFA World Cup Group L soccer match between England and Croatia, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 , at Dallas Stadium in Dallas.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
Croatia players pose for a photo ahead of an FIFA World Cup Group L match against England, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 , at Dallas Stadium in Dallas.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
Croatia players sings the national anthem ahead of an FIFA World Cup Group L match against England, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 , at Dallas Stadium in Dallas.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
England fans cheer ahead of an FIFA World Cup Group L match against Croatia, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 , at Dallas Stadium in Dallas.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
Croatia forward Ivan Perišic (14) warms up ahead of FIFA World Cup Group L soccer match against England, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 , at Dallas Stadium in Dallas.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
Croatia forward Ivan Perišic (14) warms up ahead of FIFA World Cup Group L soccer match against England, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 , at Dallas Stadium in Dallas.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
An England fan displays a flag on the stands ahead of World Cup soccer match between England and Croatia, on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 , at Dallas Stadium in Dallas.
Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News
England’s time, though, has come only once in 23 World Cups. This Group L stage opener was merely the first step for the world No. 4-ranked Brits, but the fact that it came against No. 11 Croatia is meaningful.
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It was Croatia’s Vatreni “The Fiery Ones” who defeated England and Kane in the 2018 semifinals, which was the Three Lions’ deepest World Cup run since they made the 1990 semis, losing to West Germany on penalty kicks.
Individually, Kane’s two goals pushed his career World Cup total to 10. In his 115th international cap, tying David Beckham for third-most in England history, Kane added to his men’s national team record goal total, now with 81.
And Wednesday’s came 17 hours after Argentina legend Lionel Messi’s hat trick against Algeria; and a day after France’s Kylian Mbappe opened with two goals against Senegal; and Norway’s Erling Haaland scored two against Iraq.
“Yeah, obviously I saw the guys scoring their goals yesterday, and I don’t like to concentrate too much on other people,” Kane said. “But I think it’s natural as a sportsman, as an athlete, to try and reach the highest levels.
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“I think in the back of my mind, that competition helps me to push my levels. That’s what the World Cup is for, for the best players to perform at the highest level.”
Rave reviews for Dallas Stadium
How fortunate are soccer fans in North Texas? Guess who will be in Dallas Stadium next Monday? It’ll be Messi and world No. 1 Argentina, facing Austria.
It’s hard to fathom a more electric start to this World Cup for North Texas — and this is still weeks before the June 30 and July 3 knockout-stage games and the July 14 semifinal. It turns out Sunday’s dramatic 2-2 tie here between the Netherlands and Japan was a mere teaser.
And so far, Dallas Stadium — aka AT&T Stadium the rest of the year — is earning rave reviews as a host venue.
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England forward Harry Kane (9) celebrates his second goal during the first half of a World Cup Group L soccer match against Croatia on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, in Arlington.
Elías Valverde II/The Dallas Morning News
“It’s much different from English stadiums,” England midfielder Morgan Rogers said. “The big screen is big. It’s really nice to look at, to watch replays and stuff.
“Yeah, I really enjoyed the stage. It also was quite cool, which was good for us. I think it wasn’t as hot as other stadiums are going to be.”
Dan Hunt, the North Texas World Cup organizing committee’s co-chairman, and someone who has attended every World Cup since 1986, said he heard nothing but positive reviews from fans and FIFA officials after the Netherlands-Japan opener.
“They were in awe,” he said. “That’s maybe one of the most fun things. Because you don’t know how international fans are going to take it.
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“They’re either going to say it was a great experience, a bad experience, it’s not a soccer venue. That felt like a soccer venue. Jerry Jones and his family and his whole staff have done such a great job with it. And we got a game that was worthy of the venue.”
Make it two games. And most likely a third on Monday, if nothing else with the mere presence of superstar Messi.
The potential success of this first World Cup in the United States since 1994 certainly wasn’t hurt by the United States team’s opening 4-1 win over Paraguay last Friday in Los Angeles.
That game was attended by Dan Hunt and his family, but also that of brother Clark Hunt, the Chiefs’ CEO and co-chairman of Kansas City’s organizing efforts. Kansas City’s Arrowhead Stadium was where Messi produced Tuesday’s hat trick.
Dan Hunt, though, was also buzzing about the American team’s opener. Team USA’s next game is on Friday against Australia in Seattle.
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“I know we’re a soccer nation on the women’s side,” Dan Hunt said. “Last Friday was the moment with the U.S. men’s national team that I knew we were a men’s soccer nation.”
Who knows what kind of star power, blue blood soccer nations and individual stars, Arlington might see in this World Cup’s latest stages?
Could this be England’s year?
Kane certainly made an early mark here, scoring on a 12th-minute penalty kick — actually a retaken kick after Croatia goaltender Dominik Livakovic left his position too soon to block Kane’s first attempt.
In the 42nd minute, Kane connected on a header to give England a 2-1 lead. Croatia’s Petar Musa, who stars for the MLS’s FC Dallas just 31 miles away in Frisco, tied the score just before halftime. But just two minutes into the second half, Jude Bellingham gave England the lead for good.
Could this be England’s year, finally?
“We probably could have scored three goals in that 20-minute spell coming out [after halftime],” Kane said. “And in the end, a convincing win. … We just had too much for a great team, and we’ll probably go far in the tournament.”
And they’ll be led by the electric Kane, who for Bayern Munich this season scored 61 goals in 51 games.
“Physically, mentally, and the goals I’ve gotten this year is at the highest level I’ve ever had in my career,” he said. “I feel like I’m at the peak of my powers at the right time.
“Of course, there’s a long way to go, a lot of tough games ahead, but for me, personally, I enjoy being on the pitch when I’m feeling in this form.”