The roadmap for England's 2026 FIFA World Cup quest is now clear following the official fixture release. The Three Lions, under manager Thomas Tuchel, will launch their tournament in the United States with a high-stakes opening match against Croatia in Dallas.
Group L Schedule and Kick-Off Times
Having learned their Group L opponents – Croatia, Ghana, and Panama – during Friday's draw, the England camp discovered the crucial details of match venues and timings on Saturday. The campaign begins at the AT&T Stadium in Dallas on June 17, with a 9pm UK time (3pm local) kick-off against Croatia, the nation that ended England's dreams in the 2018 semi-finals.
The group stage continues with a fixture against Ghana in Boston on June 23 (9pm UK, 4pm local). England will then conclude the initial phase against Panama at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on June 27 for a 10pm UK time start (5pm local).
Knockout Round Prospects and Challenging Conditions
Should England top Group L, they would earn a potentially favourable round of 32 match in the climate-controlled environment of Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium on July 1 (5pm UK). The path becomes significantly tougher thereafter, however.
A last-16 tie could see a daunting trip to face Mexico in the altitude of Mexico City on July 5 (1am UK on July 6). Progressing further might set up a quarter-final clash, possibly against giants Brazil, in the heat and humidity of Miami on July 11 (10pm UK). In preparation, the squad is scheduled for a pre-tournament training camp in Florida.
The Football Association is currently finalising plans for the team's tournament base camp, with a focus on locations in the eastern United States. The deadline for submitting venue preferences is January 9.
Home Nations' World Cup Draws
The draw also set the schedules for other British teams. Scotland, who avoided a hoped-for match in Atlanta's cool arena, will instead face Brazil in Miami's heat on June 24 (11pm UK). Their opener against Haiti in Boston kicks off at 2am UK time on June 14, with a second match against Morocco also in Boston at 11pm UK time on June 19.
The Republic of Ireland, should they qualify via the play-offs, now know their potential Group A schedule. It features a tough opener against South Korea in Guadalajara and a final group match against co-hosts Mexico at the iconic Estadio Azteca.
Wales and Northern Ireland remain in contention for a place in Group B, with all their potential matches slated for an 8pm BST kick-off. The 2026 World Cup final is scheduled for July 19 at the MetLife Stadium, with an 8pm UK time start.
