The full schedule for England's group stage at the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been officially confirmed, setting out a transatlantic journey for Thomas Tuchel's squad. The Three Lions will play across three iconic American cities, with all three matches kicking off in prime evening viewing slots for fans back home in the United Kingdom.
Dallas Showdown Kicks Off Campaign
England will begin their tournament on Wednesday, 17 June 2026, facing Croatia at the AT&T Stadium in Dallas. The match, a replay of the 2018 World Cup semi-final, is scheduled for a 9pm start in the UK (4pm Eastern Time, 3pm local). The state-of-the-art home of the Dallas Cowboys boasts a retractable roof and air conditioning, which will offer crucial relief from the Texan heat for the 3pm local kick-off.
Boston and New Jersey Tests to Follow
The team's second Group L fixture sees them take on Ghana on Monday, 23 June. This match will be held at the open-air Gillette Stadium near Boston, with another 9pm UK time (4pm ET) start. Historical weather data suggests an average daily high of 26C for the region in June.
England will conclude their group stage against Panama on Friday, 27 June, at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. This will be the latest kick-off for UK audiences, starting at 10pm (5pm ET). Like the Boston venue, this is an open-air stadium, where average June temperatures reach around 27C.
Prime Time for Home Supporters
The scheduling provides a significant boost for supporters in Britain, with all three matches set for ideal evening viewing. The specifics were finalised during the second part of the World Cup draw event in Washington, D.C., locking in England's path through the expanded tournament hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
With matches in Dallas, Boston, and New York/New Jersey, the England team is set for a coast-to-coast experience in the USA, aiming to navigate a challenging Group L and progress deep into the competition.
