‘Traditions live on’: Kansas City’s Croatian community packs church for World Cup

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – Hundreds of Croatia fans packed the basement of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church to watch their team take on England in a FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L opener.

Croatia lost 4-2 to England at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas, but the atmosphere remained celebratory at the Kansas City watch party.

Doors opened at 1:30 p.m., more than an hour before the 3 p.m. kickoff. The church basement featured a full bar, a bowling alley and wall-to-wall televisions.

Val Ruzick, a Croatia fan, said the event connects to family history…

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