England vs Croatia: Overview
England vs Croatia is one of the more familiar matchups in European international football. The two national teams have met regularly in major tournaments and UEFA competitions, producing several memorable games over the years.
Their most recent competitive meeting came at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, when England defeated Croatia 4–2 in Dallas on 17 June 2026.
The rivalry continues in the 2027 UEFA Nations League. UEFA lists Croatia vs England for 3 October 2026 in Rijeka, followed by another meeting between the teams at Wembley on 12 November 2026.
When Is England vs Croatia?
The next scheduled meeting is:
- Match: Croatia vs England
- Competition: UEFA Nations League 2027
- Date: 3 October 2026
- Venue: Stadion HNK Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
- Stage: League phase
UEFA’s official match page lists the game for Saturday, 3 October 2026, with a 16:00 local kick-off.
The return fixture is scheduled for 12 November 2026, with England hosting Croatia.
England vs Croatia: Recent World Cup Meeting
The latest England-Croatia match was played at the 2026 World Cup on 17 June 2026.
England won 4–2 in Dallas. UEFA’s tournament records list the result as England 4–2 Croatia, with both teams subsequently progressing from the group stage.
England went on to beat DR Congo, Mexico and Norway in the knockout rounds before losing 2–1 to Argentina in the semi-final. The Three Lions then defeated France 6–4 in the third-place play-off.
Croatia, meanwhile, followed the defeat against England with wins over Panama and Ghana before losing 2–1 to Portugal in the round of 32.
That World Cup meeting gives the upcoming Nations League fixtures some useful context: these teams have very recently played against one another in a competitive tournament.
England vs Croatia Head-to-Head Record
England have the stronger overall record in the historical meetings between the two sides.
According to UEFA’s match data, England have recorded six wins, Croatia have won three, and the teams have drawn twice in the listed head-to-head record.
Their recent meetings include:
| Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 17 June 2026 | FIFA World Cup | England 4–2 Croatia |
| 13 June 2021 | UEFA EURO | England 1–0 Croatia |
| 18 November 2018 | UEFA Nations League | England 2–1 Croatia |
| 12 October 2018 | UEFA Nations League | Croatia 0–0 England |
| 11 July 2018 | FIFA World Cup | Croatia 2–1 England |
| 9 September 2009 | World Cup Qualifying | England 5–1 Croatia |
| 10 September 2008 | World Cup Qualifying | Croatia 1–4 England |
| 21 November 2007 | EURO Qualifying | England 2–3 Croatia |
| 11 October 2006 | EURO Qualifying | Croatia 2–0 England |
| 21 June 2004 | UEFA EURO | Croatia 2–4 England |
The historical record also includes meetings from 1996 and 2003.
England vs Croatia at the 2018 World Cup
One of the most remembered England-Croatia matches came at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Croatia won 2–1 after extra time in the semi-final in Moscow. England took the lead through Kieran Trippier, but Ivan Perišić equalised before Mario Mandžukić scored the winning goal in extra time.
The result sent Croatia into their first World Cup final, while England moved into the third-place play-off.
The 2018 meeting remains an important part of the modern history between the teams because it was a World Cup knockout match rather than a group-stage encounter.
England vs Croatia at Euro 2020
The teams met again at UEFA Euro 2020, with England winning 1–0 at Wembley.
Raheem Sterling scored the only goal of the match in the second half. England subsequently reached the final of the tournament, while Croatia were eliminated in the round of 16.
This was another major tournament meeting in which the result had a direct impact on both teams’ campaigns.
Why the Nations League Meetings Matter
The upcoming Nations League fixtures provide another opportunity for England and Croatia to test themselves against familiar opposition.
Unlike a friendly, a Nations League match contributes to the competition’s league-phase standings. That gives the fixtures a competitive purpose beyond preparation.
The October meeting will be played in Croatia, while the return fixture in November will take place in England.
For supporters, the two fixtures also offer a chance to compare how both national teams have developed since their World Cup meeting in June.
England’s Recent International Record
England entered the 2026 World Cup with a strong tournament campaign and ultimately finished third.
Their World Cup results included:
- England 4–2 Croatia
- England 0–0 Ghana
- Panama 0–2 England
- England 2–1 DR Congo
- Mexico 2–3 England
- Norway 1–2 England after extra time
- Argentina 2–1 England
- France 4–6 England
UEFA lists Thomas Tuchel as England’s head coach and Harry Kane as captain. The squad also included prominent players such as Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice.
Croatia’s Recent International Record
Croatia’s 2026 World Cup campaign began with the 4–2 defeat to England.
They then responded with victories over Panama and Ghana before losing to Portugal in the knockout stage. UEFA’s tournament record lists Croatia’s results as:
- England 4–2 Croatia
- Croatia 1–0 Panama
- Croatia 2–1 Ghana
- Portugal 2–1 Croatia
The upcoming Nations League meetings therefore come only a few months after the two sides last faced each other.
What Makes England vs Croatia Interesting?
The fixture has produced several different types of matches.
Some meetings have been high-scoring, including England’s 5–1 win in 2009 and the 4–2 World Cup result in 2026. Other encounters have been much tighter, such as England’s 1–0 Euro 2020 victory and the 0–0 Nations League draw in 2018.
The teams have also met in qualifying matches, a World Cup semi-final, a European Championship and the Nations League. That variety has helped make the fixture a recurring part of the European international calendar.
England vs Croatia: What Should Fans Watch?
Several factors will be worth following in the next meeting.
Tactical approach
The October fixture will show how each manager approaches a competitive game against a familiar opponent. England and Croatia already have recent information about one another after their World Cup meeting.
Midfield battle
Croatia have traditionally placed considerable emphasis on midfield control, while England have a deep pool of technically strong midfield players. How the two sides handle possession and transitions could shape the match.
Finishing chances
The most recent World Cup meeting produced six goals. That does not guarantee another high-scoring game, but it shows how quickly this matchup can open up when chances are converted.
Home advantage
Croatia will host the October fixture in Rijeka, while England will have home advantage when the teams meet again at Wembley in November.
Common Questions About England vs Croatia
When is the next England vs Croatia match?
The next scheduled meeting is Croatia vs England on 3 October 2026 in the UEFA Nations League at Stadion HNK Rijeka.
When did England last play Croatia?
England last played Croatia on 17 June 2026 at the FIFA World Cup. England won 4–2.
Who won England vs Croatia in the 2018 World Cup?
Croatia won 2–1 after extra time in the 2018 World Cup semi-final.
How many times have England and Croatia played?
The documented head-to-head record contains 12 meetings, with seven England wins, three Croatia wins and two draws in the broader historical record.
When will England play Croatia at home?
England are scheduled to host Croatia on 12 November 2026 in the UEFA Nations League.
Did England beat Croatia at Euro 2020?
Yes. England won 1–0 at Wembley during Euro 2020, with Raheem Sterling scoring the only goal.
Where will Croatia vs England be played in October 2026?
The match is scheduled for Stadion HNK Rijeka in Rijeka, Croatia.
Final Thoughts
England vs Croatia has developed into a familiar European international fixture, with meetings across World Cups, the European Championship, qualifying campaigns and the Nations League.
The most recent chapter ended with England winning 4–2 at the 2026 World Cup. The next chapter arrives on 3 October 2026, when Croatia host England in the Nations League, before the sides meet again at Wembley in November.
For supporters searching for the latest England-Croatia information, the key details are the upcoming Nations League fixtures, the teams’ recent tournament records and their extensive head-to-head history.
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