Reports from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas claim that England fans breached security and entered the venue without tickets for the World Cup match against Croatia.
England fans are visiting the United States in their thousands. (Image: (Photo by Eddie Keogh – The FA/The FA via Getty Images))
FIFA says it is not aware at this time that any supporters entered the World Cup opening match between England and Croatia without a valid ticket. Reports citing witnesses at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, say scores of fans bypassed security and entered the stadium without being searched.
One eyewitness told MailSport: “There was a big gap next to the ticket gate and people just walked through. The volunteers were basically older women, but no one stopped them.”
A FIFA spokesperson said: “At this stage there is no indication that any fans entered the stadium without a valid match ticket for the match in question.”
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The official attendance recorded for the match was 70,389, slightly lower than the official capacity of 70,649 confirmed by FIFA before the tournament. Competition ticket prices are one of the most hotly debated topics leading up to the event.
The most affordable ticket price available through England’s supporter travel scheme was initially priced at £198 for the match against Croatia, but following intense backlash from fans, FIFA has pledged to make 10 per cent of tickets for each match within this quota available for purchase at US$60 (£45).
(Image: Alex Pantling – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Harry Kane’s double gave England a thrilling 4-2 win over Croatia, giving Tuchel’s side a bright start to the World Cup. The Dallas Cowboys’ Group L opener at spectacular AT&T Stadium was a roller coaster ride.
Kane’s early penalty was erased by Martin Baturina’s superb strike and the captain converted Declan Rice’s corner to equal Gary Lineker’s World Cup tally for England.
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Croatia equalized again with a goal from Petar Moussa just before the interval, but Tuchel tried to cheer up his players while his assistant Anthony Barry was furious about England’s “complicated and confusing” performance.
Whatever was said in the changing room, it proved effective as Jude Bellingham put the Euro 2024 runners-up ahead with a goal within two minutes of the second half.
Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic’s inspired play thwarted England’s relentless attacks, but substitute Marcus Rashford sealed the victory in the closing stages.
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