FC Dallas Star Makes World Cup Statement Before Home Crowd vs England

The first week of the FIFA men’s World Cup has delivered.

Here in the United States, Americans are still buzzing about the U.S. men’s national team dazzling in a 4-1 opening win over Paraguay last Friday - fitting for the USMNT’s first World Cup match on home soil since 1994.

Just Tuesday alone, Argentina’s Lionel Messi scored a hat trick, France’s Kylian Mbappe notched a brace, and Norway’s Erling Haaland recorded a brace in his highly anticipated World Cup debut.

Keeping with the theme, Croatia and England produced an absolute banger at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Wednesday afternoon.

England’s Harry Kane, the 2018 Golden Boot winner, scored two first-half goals to invigorate the Three Lions, but Croatia came back every time.

Kane soared to put away a header in the 42nd minute. Then, Croatia’s Petar Musa was a familiar sight for the Dallas crowd, as he scored his first-ever World Cup goal to equalize at 2-2 before halftime.

Musa has starred for FC Dallas since joining the Major League Soccer (MLS) club for a record acquisition fee in February 2024.

Musa has been FC Dallas’ leading scorer in each of his first three seasons with the club, including his club-best 12 goals so far this season. For reference, reigning back-to-back MLS MVP and all-around legend Lionel Messi also has 12 goals for Inter Miami CF.

Unfortunately, even with Musa’s goal, Croatia couldn’t withstand the avalanche that is the English attack. Jude Bellingham (47′) and Marcus Rashford (85′) found the back of the net to ensure a 4-2 victory.

Croatia will try to bounce back against Panama, while England will aim to put a stronghold on Group L against Ghana. Both matches are scheduled for Tuesday, June 23.

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This story was originally published June 17, 2026 at 6:08 PM.