What happened in Dallas?

Croatia is gearing up for its first test at the 2026 World Cup, and the nation’s most famous supporter, Ivana Knoll, has just landed in Dallas. After an electrifying performance at the FIFA Fan Festival in Los Angeles, Knoll announced from her Dallas hotel that she’s ready for her fourth World Cup appearance – this time at the official after‑party. Her presence lifts the squad’s morale, and her DJ sets filled with house and techno turn the venue into a full‑blown festival.

Why is Knoll important for the Vatreni?

Knoll became a symbol of Croatian support back in Russia 2018, and photos of her on the stands went viral worldwide. This time she’s thrilled because the tournament is hosted in the U.S., the country where she lives. “I’ve been faithfully following and cheering for our team for 16 years,” she told Net.hr. Her new track We Are The People is already circulating among fans, and she aims to turn it into a stadium anthem everyone can sing.

How does this affect Croatia’s performance?

Although the latest result – Portugal 2‑1 Croatia (2026‑07‑02) – left a sour taste, the team shows signs of recovery. The last five matches yielded 2 wins and 3 losses (LLWWL), and the recent back‑to‑back defeats raise the stakes ahead of the England clash. Knoll’s energy and a crowd already dancing to her beats could provide an extra spark for the attack.

What’s next for the Vatreni?

After the England game, Knoll will spin again at the after‑party, while Croatia prepares for its next challenge – an away match in Czechia on 26 September 2026 (4th place in the group). If they can harness the current momentum, they may reverse the recent losing streak and get back on a winning track.

Note: Last result: Portugal 2‑1 Croatia (2026‑07‑02). Recent form (last 5): 2W‑0D‑3L (LLWWL). Next fixture: vs Czechia (away, 2026‑09‑26).