Croatia gears up for World Cup opener against England with nationwide fan zones

The Croatian national football team will open its campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup against England on 17 June. The match will be shown live in public viewing areas across the country, including a fan zone at the Cultural‑Informative Centre in Plitvička Jezera, a “Vatrena zona” on Cvjetni Trg in Zagreb, and a similar gathering at the Culture Center in Rijeka. Organisers have prepared food, drinks and entertainment, and fans are encouraged to bring flags and chants.

Captain Luka Modrić, speaking before the game in Dallas, highlighted the team's strong preparation, the introduction of new players, and the challenging weather conditions in the United States. He noted that while the England match is pivotal, the squad will treat each group‑stage game separately and hinted that the World Cup could be the culmination of his international career.

The team arrived in Dallas for a training session, where they were met by police and a small group of supporters before heading to their hotel. Media coverage in Croatia has featured interviews, video reports of the squad's arrival, and promotional material for the fan zones.