Thousands of Croatia and England fans are pouring into North Texas ahead of one of the most anticipated group stage matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The rivals face off Wednesday at 3 p.m. at AT&T Stadium (also referred to as Dallas Stadium) in Arlington, drawing massive international crowds and energizing local businesses, hotels and restaurants across the DFW metroplex.
The matchup carries extra weight as a rematch of the dramatic 2018 World Cup semi-final, where Croatia eliminated England in extra time on their way to the final. England enters as the favorite after strong recent results against the Croatians, while both sides bring passionate supporter bases known for creating electric atmospheres. Organizers and local authorities are preparing for heavy traffic and large gatherings, with public transit options like DART and TRE heavily promoted to ease congestion around the 80,000-seat venue.
Fan celebrations are already underway in downtown Dallas and Arlington. Supporters from both nations held parties, parades and gatherings Tuesday night in spots like Civic Park and local pubs. Croatian fans, in particular, have organized visible group events, while English supporters are making the most of Texas hospitality — with some trying local favorites like Tex-Mex for the first time.
The game kicks off Group L play for both teams, alongside Panama and Ghana. Dallas is one of the busiest World Cup host cities, with multiple high-profile matches scheduled at AT&T Stadium this summer.
City and stadium officials have coordinated extensively with FIFA, local law enforcement and transportation agencies to ensure a safe and memorable experience for the expected sellout crowd.
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