Due to the time difference between the 2026 World Cup host locations and Germany, some matches will have unfavorable kickoff times in Germany. Here’s a look at Croatia’s game schedule.
Croatia is once again considered a dark horse for the 2026 World Cup and aims to go as far as possible. In their group stage, the 2018 World Cup finalists will face England, Ghana, and Panama. Croatia is expected to be the clear favorite for second place behind England.
You can find out the kickoff times for Croatia’s group stage matches in Germany right here!
2026 World Cup Time Difference: When Will Croatia’s Matches Kick Off in German Time?
Croatia will be among the later participants to start their 2026 World Cup campaign, and they’re kicking off with a big match. On June 17th, Luka Modric and his team will face England, one of the co-favorites for the title, in their opening game. This match will take place in Dallas, USA, and will begin at 10 PM German time.
The kickoff time for Croatia’s second group match is less convenient. Against Panama (in Toronto, Canada), coach Zlatko Dalic’s team will play at 1 AM German time on the night of June 23rd to 24th. This means you’ll have to stay up quite late to watch the entire game.
For the final group stage match, potentially deciding advancement to the knockout phase, Croatia will face Ghana on June 27th. The game in Philadelphia, USA, will kick off at 11 PM German time. Considering it’s a Saturday, this is a reasonably acceptable kickoff time.
2026 World Cup Time Difference: When Will Croatia’s Matches Kick Off in German Time? Croatia’s Group Stage Matches Overview
| Date | Kickoff German Time | Match |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday, June 17 | 10 PM | Croatia vs. England |
| Wednesday, June 24 | 1 AM | Croatia vs. Panama |
| Saturday, June 27 | 11 PM | Croatia vs. Ghana |
2026 World Cup Time Difference: When Will Croatia’s Matches Kick Off in German Time? Potential Kickoff Times in the First Knockout Rounds
Assuming Croatia advances as group winners, the kickoff time for the round of 32 would be excellent. They would play on July 1st at 6 PM German time in Atlanta, USA, against one of the eight best third-placed teams. However, Croatia’s round of 16 match would kick off in the early morning in Germany, starting at 2 AM on July 6th in Mexico City.
If Croatia finishes second in their group, their round of 32 match would be at 1 AM on the night of July 2nd to 3rd in Toronto, Canada. Croatia’s round of 16 match would then have a convenient kickoff time in Germany, starting at 9 PM German time on July 6th (Match venue: Dallas, USA).
2026 World Cup Time Difference: When Will Croatia’s Matches Kick Off in German Time? Live Broadcast on Free TV and Livestream
MagentaTV will broadcast all 104 matches of the 2026 World Cup live. Therefore, all of Croatia’s matches throughout the tournament will be available live on this pay-TV channel, but you will need a paid subscription for MagentaTV.
The good news is that ARD and ZDF are sublicensees and hold the broadcasting rights for 60 World Cup matches, which you can watch live and for free on free-to-air television. For example, Croatia’s first group match against England will be broadcast live on ZDF, in addition to MagentaTV.
The situation is different for the second matchday. For Croatia’s game against Panama, a MagentaTV subscription is mandatory. Croatia’s third group match against Ghana will again be broadcast live on free-to-air TV, with ZDF being the channel to watch.
Croatia’s Group Stage Matches at the 2026 World Cup Live on TV and Livestream: Broadcast Overview
| Date | Match | Broadcast Live on Free TV / Free Livestream | Broadcast Live on Pay TV / Livestream with Subscription |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday, June 17, 10 PM | Croatia vs. England | ZDF | MagentaTV |
| Wednesday, June 24, 1 AM | Croatia vs. Panama | / | MagentaTV |
| Saturday, June 27, 11 PM | Croatia vs. Ghana | ZDF | MagentaTV |