Croatia fans gear up for World Cup opener against England in Dallas

Croatia is now just one day away from its opening World Cup match against England in Dallas, where the two sides will meet on Wednesday evening at Dallas Stadium — the third-largest venue of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

As kick-off approaches, Croatian fans in Texas are preparing to cheer on the Vatreni, with supporters travelling from across the United States and beyond for the highly anticipated Group L clash.

Among them is Klementina Mikuš, who has lived in Texas for the past 13 years. She founded a group bringing together Croats from the Dallas–Fort Worth area, which has already grown to around 130 members.

American Croats plan to welcome the national team in distinctly American fashion — with a parade.

“We will have a big parade, with horse riders, flags, floats, Croatian music, American music, to celebrate the friendship between America and Croatia. Ajmo Hrvatska!,” Mikuš told HRT.

Optimism is running high among fans ahead of the match.

“Tomorrow, it’s going to be 3–1 for Croatia!,” predicted Damir, a fan from Frankfurt who travelled to Dallas for the game.

“We came to Dallas to support our team and I hope we will win tomorrow,” said Ivan, another supporter from Frankfurt.

Many fans believe Croatia can once again make a deep tournament run after reaching the semifinals and final in the previous two World Cups.

“We've played in the semifinals and the final at the last two tournaments and I still think we're one of the teams capable of repeating that. I think the current generation of players is the best in Croatian history,” said Jure Glavan of the fan group Mi Hrvati.

Croatian communities outside Europe are also following the team closely. In Bolivia, supporters say they are proudly backing the Vatreni, even if they cannot attend the matches in person.

Bo Ivo Eterović, a descendant of emigrants from Dalmatia and a former doctor for the Bolivian national football team, said emotions are running high.

“In Bolivia, we follow the Vatreni with pride and gratitude. Thank you for representing Croatia bravely, passionately and with dignity! Vamos Vatreni,” Eterović told HRT.

Back home, fans across Croatia are expected to gather in fan zones, town squares, cafés and bars to watch the late-night fixture. Authorities have granted hospitality venues extended opening hours to accommodate supporters following the World Cup action.

For Croatia, the road begins in Dallas. For fans at home and abroad, hopes are high that the Vatreni can once again deliver a memorable World Cup campaign.