England fan group issue vital matchday advice for supporters heading to Dallas Stadium for Croatia match

As England prepare to face Croatia in Arlington on Wednesday 17th June, supporter group Free Lions have issued detailed matchday advice for travelling fans.

Their guidance draws on first‑hand reports from the Netherlands vs Japan opener at the same venue.

Covering transport, stadium rules, hydration and fan‑embassy support, it is essential reading for anyone heading to Dallas Stadium for the 15:00pm kick‑off (local time).

Below is a full breakdown of the key advice England fans need to know.

England vs Croatia: Transport Advice

Train and Shuttle System

Free Lions strongly recommend using the train-to-shuttle system, which worked “really well” for supporters attending the previous match at the venue.

Fans should:

• Travel by train from Victory Station (Dallas) or Central Station (Fort Worth) to CentrePort Station
• Buy tickets via the GoPass app – a regional day pass costs $9
• Board the free shuttle buses waiting at CentrePort, which drop fans off a 10-15-minute walk from the stadium

Shuttles begin five hours before kick‑off and run until three hours after full‑time.

Supporters reported:

• Hydration stations are handing out free drinks on the walk to the ground
• Immediate return buses after the match, taking fans straight back to CentrePort for trains to Dallas or Fort Worth

Taxis and Rideshare

Expect heavy surge pricing both before and after the match – taxis were “expensive” for the previous game.

Driving and Car Parking

Parking in Arlington is limited, and official FIFA parking is extremely expensive, with lots opening four hours before kick‑off. Traffic was “very busy” for the last match at the venue.

England vs Croatia: What Flags You Can Bring Inside

• Flags up to 2m x 1.5m are allowed without pre‑approval
• Larger flags require approval 48 hours before the match
• Fans still awaiting FA ticket delivery have been able to submit applications with “TBC” details, according to supporter reports

Stewards at the Netherlands vs Japan match did not allow flags to be hung over LED boards or the World Cup 2026 banner behind the goal.

Free Lions say they will raise this with the FA to seek a relaxation of the rule.

Dallas Stadium Bags & Stadium Security

• Bag storage is available for $25
• Clear bags are sold on site for $20
• Clear bags must be 12′ x 6′ x 12′
• Non‑clear bags must be no larger than 4.5′ x 6.5′

Fans reported mixed experiences regarding how strictly sizes were enforced, but entry was generally smooth for the previous match.

England vs Croatia: Eating & Drinking Options

Texas Live!

The hugely popular pre‑match venue near the stadium requires a ticket costing around $26, though some fans were able to pay on the door last time.

There was also a free outdoor area with big screens and shade, though supporters are advised not to rely on this being available again (even if it was open for the Netherlands vs Japan game).

Inside the Stadium

• Beer: $17
• Water: $9
• Free water fountains available throughout the ground

Security removed caps from some water bottles at entry, despite selling capped bottles inside, an inconsistency Free Lions have raised with organisers.

As with previous tournaments, match‑specific branded cups are available – a popular collectable for many fans

England vs Croatia: Hydration Advice

Free Lions emphasise the seriousness of the Texas heat – it is very hot.

There have already been multiple heat‑related medical incidents at the tournament, so fans are urged to stay hydrated, seek shade or air conditioning, and always carry water

Queues could become dangerous in extreme heat, so supporters should plan ahead and look after each other.

England Fans’ Embassy & Support

On matchday, the Free Lions Fans’ Embassy will be located at the eSports Arena near the stadium, where supporters can pick up Edition 200 of Free Lions, which includes additional travel information for the next venue, Boston.

On Tuesday, the group will be at City Tavern in downtown Dallas for fans needing assistance or advice.

Emergency Helpline

Fans needing urgent help can contact the 24‑hour helpline: +44 7956 121314