Table of Contents

• Team Profile
• Group L Match Schedule
• Knockout Round Possibilities
• Recommended RV Itinerary
• Climate Planning
• Fan Culture & Community
• El Monte RV Pickup & Drop-Off Locations
• One-Way Rental Options
• Booking Tips
• RV Recommendations
• FAQs
• Conclusion

The 2018 international cup finalists and 2022 third-place finishers bring their checkerboard jerseys to North America. Croatia plays Group L matches in Dallas, Toronto, and New York/New Jersey, creating a journey from America's heartland through Canada to the nation's biggest stage. An El Monte RV rental lets you follow the Vatreni across diverse North American landscapes as they chase their first major international soccer trophy. 

Team Profile

Croatia enters 2026 as one of the tournament’s most consistent performers. After reaching the 2018 final and finishing third in 2022, the Vatreni seek to finally capture the trophy. With the football world coming together across North America, this may be Luka Modrić’s final international tournament.

Group L Match Schedule

Group L Opponents: England, Panama, Ghana 

Knockout Round Possibilities

If Croatia advances from Group L:

h2 id="rv-itinerary">Recommended RV Itinerary: Vatreni Continental Journey

Total Distance: 1,900+ miles (group stage), up to 5,000+ miles (full tournament)
Duration: 14–30 days depending on Croatia’s progress
Route: Dallas → Toronto → Philadelphia → knockout venues 

Days 1–5: Dallas Base Camp

Campgrounds:
Dallas/Arlington KOA: 3 miles from AT&T Stadium
Treetops RV Village: 4 miles from stadium
Fort Worth/Weatherford KOA: 35 miles from stadium 

Match Day June 17: England vs Croatia at AT&T Stadium
Arrive 4–5 hours early for tailgating
AT&T Stadium seats 80,000+ with a retractable roof
Rematch of the 2018 semifinal (Croatia won 2–1)
Expect a passionate atmosphere from both fanbases 

Between Matches: Fort Worth Stockyards, Sixth Floor Museum (JFK), Dallas Arts District, Texas BBQ trail, Six Flags Over Texas 

Days 6–10: Dallas to Toronto (1,450 miles)

This is a major 3–4 day drive with strategic overnight stops. 

Route: I‑35 North → Kansas City → I‑70 East → Columbus → Detroit → Canada border crossing 

Recommended Overnight Stops:

Day 1: Oklahoma City or Kansas City (350–500 miles)
Oklahoma City East KOA: Easy highway access
Kansas City West KOA: BBQ capital stopover 

Day 2: St. Louis or Indianapolis (400–450 miles)
Gateway Arch and Midwest cultural stops 

Day 3: Detroit area → Canada
Cross via Detroit–Windsor border crossing
Border Requirements: Valid passport, RV rental agreement, insurance documents, declare all food items at customs 

Days 11–14: Toronto Base Camp

Campgrounds:
Indian Line Campground: 25 miles from BMO Field
Bronte Creek Provincial Park: 35 miles from stadium 

Match Day June 23: Panama vs Croatia at BMO Field
Second group match
BMO Field seats 30,000 in downtown Toronto
Intimate match atmosphere 

Between Matches: CN Tower, Niagara Falls (90 min), Toronto Islands, St. Lawrence Market, Distillery District, multicultural dining 

Climate Planning

Fan Culture & Community

Croatian Fan Traditions

Red and white checkerboard jerseys (Šahovnica pattern)
“Vatreni” chants and passionate singing
Croatian flags and scarves everywhere
Pre‑match gatherings with rakija and ćevapi 

Popular Chants

“Hrvatska! Hrvatska!”
“Vatreni!” (The Blazing Ones)
“Lijepa naša” (Croatia’s national anthem)
Luka Modrić celebration songs

US Cities with Strong Croatian Communities

Chicago, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Los Angeles, New York

Tailgating Culture

Croatian supporters are known for their emotional energy and hospitality. Expect checkered patterns, traditional Croatian music, grilled ćevapi, and rakija. Fans create a family‑like atmosphere at stadium parking lots.

El Monte RV Pickup & Drop-Off Locations

Recommended Pickup Location

Dallas, Texas — Ideal starting point with Croatia’s opening match taking place at AT&T Stadium. Provides central positioning for the long northbound route to Canada.

Alternative Pickup Locations

New York, New Jersey — Excellent East Coast start, close to Philadelphia and potential knockout venues.

Orlando, Florida — Perfect for fans expecting Atlanta knockout matches, with abundant family attractions pre‑tournament.

One‑Way Rental Options

El Monte RV offers flexible one‑way routes for long‑distance travel across the U.S. and Canada.

Booking Tips

Book 9–12 months ahead: Demand will be extremely high for Dallas, Toronto, and Philadelphia campgrounds during the tournament. 

Verify cross‑border coverage: Ensure your RV rental insurance includes Canada for the Toronto match. 

Plan for long drives: The Dallas → Toronto journey spans 1,450 miles and typically requires 3–4 days.

Check mileage allowances: Croatia’s group‑stage route exceeds 1,900 miles; additional mileage options are available via Travel Extras. 

Explore rental options at El Monte RV Rentals and check for promotional pricing at Current Deals.

RV Recommendations

Best Choice: Class C Motorhome

Perfect for long‑distance multi‑city routes with full kitchen capabilities for Croatian cuisine such as ćevapi and grilled meats. Good balance of size and maneuverability for cross‑country driving. 

Alternative: Class A Motorhome

Ideal for groups seeking maximum comfort on the 1,900+ mile journey. Larger living space makes long haul drives more comfortable. 

Mileage Planning

Group stage route (Dallas → Toronto → Philadelphia): 1,900+ miles
Full tournament potential: 4,000–6,000 miles
Extra mileage available via Travel Extras.

FAQs

Where will the largest Croatian fan gatherings be during the 2026 international soccer cup?

A: Chicago has the largest Croatian‑American community in North America. Expect strong Croatian support at all three venues, with fans traveling from Chicago, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and across the Midwest. The England vs Croatia opener in Dallas will draw passionate crowds from both nations. 

What makes Croatia’s 2026 route unique?

A: Croatia’s route spans three regions (USA → Canada → USA) and showcases dramatic North American diversity: Texas plains, the American heartland, Toronto’s metropolis, and historic Philadelphia. It’s a rare multi‑country group stage journey.

Can I drive my RV into Toronto for the match?

A: Yes. RV entry into Canada is straightforward. Bring passports, the rental agreement, and insurance documents. Declare all food items at customs. The Detroit–Windsor or Buffalo–Niagara crossings are recommended. Allow extra time during tournament peaks. 

Should I book campgrounds before knowing the knockout venues?

A: Yes — book Dallas, Toronto, and Philadelphia 9–12 months in advance. For knockout matches, reserve refundable sites in Boston, Atlanta, and New York and cancel based on Croatia’s progression. 

Can I find Croatian food on the road?

A: Chicago, Cleveland, and Pittsburgh offer Croatian restaurants and delis. Bring Croatian essentials such as ćevapi, ajvar, and rakija for campground meals. European markets in major cities stock Croatian goods as well. 

Is this Luka Modrić’s final international cup?

A: Yes — at age 40, 2026 will almost certainly be Modrić’s final major tournament. Fans traveling the route may be witnessing a legend’s farewell.

Is the Croatia route family‑friendly?

A: Very much so. Dallas offers the Fort Worth Stockyards and Six Flags; Toronto includes CN Tower and Niagara Falls; Philadelphia provides Independence Hall and iconic history. Families experience new attractions between matches.

Conclusion

Following Croatia’s quest for international cup glory by RV delivers an epic North American adventure. From Texas heat to Canadian summer breezes to the historic streets of Philadelphia, this journey blends world‑class football with unforgettable travel moments. 

The Vatreni consistently punch above their weight, uniting millions worldwide behind the iconic checkerboard. With Luka Modrić leading the team in his likely final tournament, this road trip offers once‑in‑a‑lifetime memories for supporters. Traveling by RV means exploring on your own terms — Texas BBQ, Canadian hospitality, Philadelphia cheesesteaks — all while arriving match‑ready to chant “Hrvatska!” with fellow fans. 

Ready to follow the Vatreni? Explore RV options at El Monte RV Rentals and check current promotions at Rental Deals.

Hrvatska! Your 2026 road trip awaits.
Not affiliated with or endorsed by FIFA or the FIFA World Cup 2026