Croatia faces England in World Cup opener in Dallas

The Croatian national football team arrived in the United States for the 2024 FIFA World Cup, with its first match scheduled for 17 June at AT&T Stadium in Arlington near Dallas. Croatia will meet group favourites England in a game that is expected to draw large crowds of both English supporters and the sizable Croatian community in the U.S. The stadium features a roof and curtains to reduce the expected high temperatures.

Veteran winger Ivan Perišić, 37, is set to play his fourth World Cup. After recovering from a serious knee injury and moving to PSV Eindhoven, he has contributed 26 goals and 27 assists in 78 appearances, helping the Dutch club win back‑to‑back league titles. His experience is seen as crucial for Croatia’s attack against England.

According to English tabloid The Sun, fan prices at the venue are high: a 473 ml draft beer costs $16‑17 (≈ 14 €), a bottle of water about $7, a hot‑dog $8, and a hamburger $14.5. These costs underscore the commercial side of the tournament for spectators.