With the 2026 FIFA World Cup now under way, and more than a dozen games in the bank, we have been able to catch some early glimpses of what to expect from this tournament. Now, England and Croatia are stepping into the field to pursue their trophy dreams.
Croatia’s soccer team has been going through a renaissance with the team consistently placing in the top spots over the past two editions. England, on the other hand, has had a much harder time progressing. Yet, oddsmakers are tipping to win at (-136). Why is that?
England vs Croatia 2026 FIFA World Cup Odds
| Moneyline | Odds |
|---|---|
| England | -136 |
| Draw | +286 |
| Croatia | +400 |
| Spread | Odds |
|---|---|
| England | -1 (+145) |
| Croatia | +1 (+165) |
| Totals | Odds |
|---|---|
| Over 2.5 | +121 |
| Under 2.5 | -137 |
160 players claimed the offer this month
England vs Croatia Time, Date, Where to Watch
- Date: Wednesday, June 17
- Time: 3 pm CDT
- Place: Dallas, Texas
- Where to Watch: FOX, Fox One, Fubo
Is It Coming Home? England Fans to Get the Headsup
England fans have not had a good time at a World Cup perhaps since 1965 when the national soccer team secured the top accolade. The team has been running in fits and starts ever since, cultivating one of the world’s best soccer tournaments, Premier League, while struggling to field talent itself to win the FIFA World Cup a second time.
England came close, though, placing 4th in 2018 and 6th in 2022, with the latest tournament an opportunity to prove itself. The oddsmakers are also giving it a fair chance at (-136) suggesting that the team may have a good chance against the 2018 runner-ups, Croatia.
The two teams have been neck-and-neck in previous competitions with the 2018 seeing the teams fight it out in the extra time, when Croatia managed to pry away a 2-1 win in and advance to the final. However, England’s strong performance leading up to the World Cup is now pinning extra hopes that the team will have no issue addressing the 2018 defeat, and secure the lead in the Group Stage.
Croatia Rides to the World Cup on Immaculate Score
On the other hand, Croatia is now posted as (+400) underdog. The team is not tipped to win the upcoming bout, oddsmakers think, even though Croatia rode with an immaculate score through the UEFA Group L, and secured its spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a series of strong performances.
Croatia’s team are all seasoned players who have played in – you guessed it – the Premier League and La Liga for a while now, bringing invaluable experience back home, and actually managing to do something unique with it – translating it into an all-round team performance.
Among these top performers are Luka Modrić, the current leader, who won the 2018 Ballon d’Or, Mateo Kovačić, who plays with Manchester City as midfielder, and Joško Gvardiol, another City player. This trio have the relevant experience to put England on the backfoot and allow Croatia to pry away a victory once again.
However, with a resurgent England, the oddsmakers may be right to favor the team a bit more. This is why we think the initial forecasts may be wrong.
As to what the best betting option may be for you? This could come down to Croatia to win at (+400).
Pick: Croatia to Win (+400) and Totals Over 2.5 (+121)