Vatreni · Group L
Croatia have punched well above their weight, finishing runners-up in 2018 and third in 2022. Inspired by veteran captain Luka Modrić and coached by Zlatko Dalić, the Vatreni are renowned for their midfield mastery. They remain serious knockout-stage threats.
Key squad members (selected). Full match-day squads update from the live feed.
Long-serving Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalic has decided to part ways with the national team after their World Cup Round of 16 defeat to Portugal. Dalic's era, marked by historic highs and consistent competitiveness, concludes as Croatia now contemplates its next move on the international stage.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored a landmark goal to propel Portugal to a 2-1 victory over Croatia in the World Cup Round of 32. The veteran forward finally broke his knockout-stage scoring drought, helping Portugal advance to the next round after a nail-biting contest.
Portugal clinched a narrow 2-1 victory over Croatia in the Round of 32, with Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup journey continuing after a late Croatian equaliser was chalked off following a VAR review. The decision proved pivotal, ending Luka Modric’s World Cup run while extending Portugal’s campaign.
Portugal's resilience was on full display as they came from behind to defeat Croatia 2-1 in a high-stakes Round of 32 encounter, keeping their World Cup journey—and Cristiano Ronaldo’s hopes—alive. The result sets up a tantalizing clash between Portugal and a rampant Spain side in the next round.
Portugal clinched a narrow 2-1 victory over Croatia to secure a place in the World Cup quarterfinals, with Gonçalo Ramos providing the decisive goal. The match, featuring two of the game's legendary figures in Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modrić, was marked by tension, VAR controversy, and a dramatic finish. For Modrić, the curtain likely falls on his World Cup journey, while Ronaldo's quest goes on.
Portugal advanced to the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 after a hard-fought 2-1 win over Croatia in Toronto. Captain Cristiano Ronaldo's penalty proved decisive, helping his side recover from an early scare in a tense encounter.
As Portugal and Croatia prepare to face off in the World Cup knockout stage, all eyes are on Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric. Each legend may be appearing in his final World Cup, adding extra intrigue and drama to a matchup loaded with star power.
With knockout football underway, Portugal and Croatia meet in a highly anticipated Last 32 fixture. Both teams boast experienced managers and dynamic squads, setting up a contest brimming with talent and tournament pedigree. The winner advances to the Round of 16, while defeat means an early exit from the world's grandest stage.
Croatia’s Luka Modric and Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo are set to square off in a highly anticipated World Cup encounter, rekindling a rivalry that spans nearly two decades of international football. Both teams have advanced to the knockout rounds, setting the stage for what could be the last World Cup meeting between two legends. Fans and pundits alike are eager to see if Modric can orchestrate an upset or if Portugal will continue their tournament momentum.
Brighton & Hove Albion have agreed a £50m deal to sign Tottenham’s World Cup squad member Luka Vuskovic, just weeks after Jan Paul van Hecke departed for Spurs. The move is part of a reshuffling of defensive talent across top clubs, with Chelsea also landing Italy’s Palestra for £47m and Liverpool confirming the arrival of French defender Jacquet. Vuskovic’s transfer highlights Brighton’s commitment to youth and potential at the heart of their defence.
Croatia sealed their place in the World Cup knockout rounds with a 2-1 victory against Ghana in Group L. The result ensured Zlatko Dalić's side progressed from a competitive section, while Ghana, already through, finished their group campaign with a narrow defeat.
Croatia's 2-1 win over Ghana ensured their place as Group L runners-up, while Ghana celebrated progression to the World Cup knockout stage for the first time since 2010. Despite wet conditions, fans witnessed a spirited contest, with both teams ultimately earning passage to the next round.
With Group L wide open, Croatia and Ghana meet in a pivotal match that could decide their World Cup 2026 destinies. Both sides understand that a win is vital, as they navigate a challenging group that also features England and Panama. We break down the stakes, strengths, and potential turning points ahead of this key fixture.
Croatia claimed a vital 1-0 win over Panama in Group L, securing their first points of the tournament. The result eliminates Panama from World Cup contention and gives Croatia a fighting chance to reach the knockout stage.
Croatia secured a crucial 1-0 win over Panama in Group L, keeping their knockout hopes alive. The match was highlighted by Luka Modric earning his 200th international cap, cementing his legacy for his national team. Panama exit the tournament after failing to register a point.
Croatia responded to their opening defeat by sealing a crucial 1-0 victory over Panama in Group L. The result keeps the 2018 finalists in contention, while Panama bow out after their second loss. With this win, Croatia's hopes remain alive in a fiercely competitive group.
Panama and Croatia prepare to clash in a high-stakes Group L encounter at the FIFA World Cup 2026. With Ghana and England already off to winning starts, both teams know a result here is essential to their knockout hopes. Croatia look to recover after their defeat to England while Panama seeks redemption following a narrow loss to Ghana.
England’s opening win over Croatia set a vibrant tone for Group L, with Tuchel’s energetic tactics and off-field team spirit in the spotlight. As England prepare for their next test against Ghana, a playful nod to retro vinyl culture has helped fuel camaraderie in the camp.
England manager Thomas Tuchel has emphasized the need for defensive improvement after their 4-2 win over Croatia in Group L, as the Three Lions prepare to face Ghana. A win in Boston would secure a knockout place, with group leadership within reach if Panama fail to beat Croatia later.
ITV has emerged as the frontrunner in the UK’s World Cup viewership stakes after the tournament’s opening week. The commercial broadcaster captured four out of the five top TV audiences, with the England v Croatia Group L clash leading the pack thanks to a gripping 4-2 encounter. The BBC, meanwhile, has strategically held back on its first-pick game selections for the knockout rounds.
England produced a statement performance in their opening Group L match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, dispatching Croatia 4-2 in a pulsating contest. Thomas Tuchel’s debut on the tournament stage saw England shake off the caution of previous eras and embrace a more expansive game. The result may not win them the trophy just yet, but it hints at a fresh, invigorating identity.
With the first round of group stage matches completed, England and Scotland have made promising starts in their respective World Cup campaigns. We assess their current positions, what the latest results mean for their potential last 32 opponents, and how the next fixtures could shape their knockout journeys.
England coach Thomas Tuchel has suggested that Bukayo Saka is unlikely to feature in the starting XI against Ghana, preferring to manage his recovery cautiously. Saka will be eased back into training with an eye on the group stage finale. England’s depth will be tested as they look to build on their impressive opening victory over Croatia.
England began their World Cup campaign in Group L with a 4-2 win over Croatia, showcasing attacking intent and resilience after a cagey first half. Manager Thomas Tuchel emphasized the importance of entertaining supporters, as his side found their rhythm after the break. England next face Ghana on June 23.
England delivered a free-flowing performance to defeat Croatia 4-2 in their World Cup Group L opener. While Thomas Tuchel’s men looked revitalized going forward, Group K rivals Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo were forced to settle for a draw. England’s statement win reshapes early expectations in their group.
England kicked off their World Cup campaign with a thrilling 4-2 victory against Croatia in Group L. Despite Croatia battling back to level terms, England’s attacking power proved decisive. The result sets an early tone in one of the tournament’s most competitive groups.
England opened their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L campaign with a dramatic 4-2 victory over Croatia. Thomas Tuchel’s side overcame multiple challenges in a frenetic encounter, setting the tone for a fiercely competitive group stage.
England secured a statement win in their Group L opener, overcoming Croatia 4-2 in a high-scoring contest. Thomas Tuchel's men showed attacking flair and resilience, setting the tone for a promising campaign.
The favourites dominate the headlines, but World Cups are often defined by the teams nobody expected. We look at four dark horses for 2026, Morocco, Croatia, Uruguay and Japan, and why each could go further than the bookmakers suggest.