Thousands of Croatia supporters marched through downtown Dallas on Tuesday evening as World Cup excitement continued to build ahead of Croatia’s opening tournament match against England at Dallas Stadium in Arlington.
The celebration began at 7:15 p.m. at Civic Garden Park, where members of the Croatian fan group Mi Hrvati, which translates to “We Croatians,” gathered with flags, live music, horse riders, carriages, and traditional Croatian attire before marching through downtown.
At the center of the parade was a massive red-and-white Croatian flag stretching roughly 100 meters, or about the length of a football field. Organizers said it takes approximately 100 people to carry the flag.
“We pretty much expect to turn Dallas red and white,” Klemintina Mikus of the Mi Hrvati fan group told NBC 5 DFW.
Croatian Pride On Display In Downtown Dallas
The parade included Croatian and American flags and made a stop at the John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza before continuing to Ferris Plaza, where fans gathered for live music, food, drinks, and cultural activities.
“This location was chosen because it’s really close to the JK Memorial. And the Mihiravati fan group really wanted to also pay respects to America with this parade,” Mikus said, per NBC 5.
Dallas police estimated that roughly 3,000 fans participated in the march. The parade concluded at Ferris Plaza, where supporters continued celebrating into the evening. Police reported no arrests or emergency incidents.
Fans traveled from across the United States and abroad to attend the match and support Croatia’s national team.
“It means everything. It means everything to us,” one fan said, per Fox 4 KDFW.
“I’m so proud of my country,” said supporter Duje Skare, Fox 4 reported.
For Dustin Bencik and his family, the event represented a unique opportunity to celebrate their heritage.
“As our family grows, we carry on the tradition,” Bencik said, according to Fox 4.
England Supporters Prepare For Matchday
English supporters also gathered in Dallas ahead of Wednesday’s match. The Londonder pub prepared to host hundreds of fans for a pregame celebration.
“Too rowdy, Americans got nothing on the English!” an England supporter said. NBC 5 reported.
Isaac Hines, assistant general manager of The Londonder, said the venue expected at least 200 England supporters.
“We host it here all the time. They come here because we make sure they have a good time,” Hines said, per NBC 5.
Croatia Looks To Continue World Cup Success
Croatia and England are scheduled to face off at 3 p.m. Wednesday at Dallas Stadium in Arlington.
Croatia arrived in Dallas on Monday and held a final training session Tuesday morning at SMU. The nation has qualified for six World Cups and has earned three podium finishes, including a runner-up finish in 2018 and a third-place finish in 2022.
Veteran midfielder Luka Modric is expected to make his 199th appearance for Croatia’s national team. He could share the field with FC Dallas forward Petar Musa, whose 12 Major League Soccer goals this season are tied with Lionel Messi.
