England have been handed a challenging start to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, drawn against 2018 finalists Croatia in their opening group stage match. The fixture, set for June 17, will be played in either Arlington, Texas, or Toronto, Canada.
A Spectacle of Stars and Politics
The draw ceremony at Washington's Kennedy Center was an extravagant affair, blending football with high-octane showbusiness and political theatre. Comedian Kevin Hart, model Heidi Klum, and actor Danny Ramirez hosted, while performances came from the likes of Andrea Bocelli, Robbie Williams, Nicole Scherzinger, and Lauryn Hill.
However, the event was arguably dominated by the presence of former US President Donald Trump. FIFA President Gianni Infantino welcomed Trump and his wife Melania, describing FIFA as the "official happiness provider for humanity." The political figure was then invited on stage to receive the inaugural FIFA 'Peace Prize', a new award created by Infantino.
"This is one of the great honours of my life. We saved millions and millions of lives," Trump stated, before predicting the 2026 tournament would be "an event the likes of which the world has never seen."
England's Path and Tournament Logistics
For England manager Thomas Tuchel, the draw presents a stern initial test. Should his side top Group L, they would face a third-placed qualifier in the last 32. As one of the top four seeded nations alongside Spain, Argentina, and France, England cannot meet those heavyweights until the semi-finals at the earliest.
The 48-team tournament, co-hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada across 16 cities, presents unique challenges for UK fans. Many matches will kick off in the middle of the night UK time, prompting a government consultation on extending pub licensing hours. Furthermore, fans must wait another day to learn precise fixture dates and venues, which is expected to trigger a surge in flight prices and holiday requests.
Draw Details and Fan Experience
The draw itself was conducted by England legend Rio Ferdinand and Al Jazeera's Samantha Johnson, with assistance from American sports icons like Tom Brady and Shaquille O'Neal. The lengthy build-up, however, tested the patience of some attendees, with BBC commentator Jonathan Pearce quipping: "Hopefully the draw will finish in time for the first match to kick-off in June."
Other notable groups drawn include:
- Group A: Mexico, South Korea
- Group D: United States, Australia
- Group I: France, Senegal
- Group K: Portugal, Colombia
The tournament, running from June 11 to July 19, 2026, aims to break attendance records. FIFA President Infantino has promised seven million spectators, with the largest venue being the 94,000-capacity AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
