Luka Modrić and the Croatia national football team trained in Dallas on Tuesday ahead of their opening FIFA World Cup match against England [1].

The matchup marks a high-stakes beginning to the tournament for Croatia, pitting them against a perennial powerhouse in a critical group-stage encounter.

The team conducted their final preparations at AT&T Stadium, the home of the Dallas Cowboys [1], [2]. The training session on Tuesday [1] served as the final tune-up before the squad faces England on Wednesday [1].

For Luka Modrić, the tournament represents a personal milestone. The midfielder is set to compete in his fifth FIFA World Cup [5]. His veteran presence anchors a squad that maintains a bridge to previous successes, as six players from the 2018 squad remain part of the 2026 roster [1].

History adds a layer of tension to the upcoming fixture. Croatia previously defeated England 2-1 in the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup [1]. That victory propelled the team toward a historic run, and the squad looks to replicate that success in the U.S. [1].

The team's presence in Texas is part of the wider 2026 FIFA World Cup schedule, which sees the tournament hosted across North America [2]. Croatia's focus remains on the immediate challenge of the opening game to secure an early advantage in the group standings [3].

“Luka Modrić will compete in his fifth FIFA World Cup.”

The presence of six veterans from the 2018 squad, led by Modrić, suggests Croatia is relying on a proven core of experienced players to navigate the pressures of the tournament. Facing England in the opener is a litmus test for the team's current form, especially given their previous knockout-stage victory over the English side.