England's path for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been mapped out, with the Three Lions set to embark on a coast-to-coast journey across the United States during the group stage. FIFA has now officially confirmed the dates and venues for England's matches, starting with a challenging opener in the searing Texas heat.
A Fiery Start in Dallas Against Croatia
Manager Thomas Tuchel's side will kick off their campaign on June 17 with a high-stakes clash against Croatia. The match will be held at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Dallas, with a 9pm GMT kick-off. This venue presents a significant physical challenge, as the stadium is not air-conditioned and temperatures are likely to exceed 30 degrees Celsius.
This opening fixture revives memories of recent tournament encounters, setting a stern early test for the top seeds in Group L. Tuchel acknowledged the difficulty, stating Croatia was the "standout name" and "highest-ranked team" from Pot 2 that England could have drawn.
Group Stage Itinerary: From Boston to New York
Following the Dallas opener, England's schedule sees them travel north to face Ghana. That match is scheduled for 9pm GMT at the Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Boston. The Three Lions will then conclude their group stage commitments against Panama at the MetLife Stadium in New York on June 27.
The drawn-out schedule means England will play just one match in the tournament's first 12 days. However, should they progress, they face a potential gauntlet of four games in just thirteen days.
Potential Knockout Path and Scottish Schedule
If England win Group L, their round of 32 match would take place in Atlanta on July 1. A potential last-16 tie could then see a historic meeting with co-hosts Mexico at the iconic Azteca Stadium. Further progress could set up a quarter-final showdown against record winners Brazil in Miami.
Meanwhile, Steve Clarke's Scotland side also learned their fate, with a daunting group finale against Brazil in Miami. Their schedule presents a challenge for fans back home, with their first match against Haiti kicking off at 2am GMT and subsequent games against Morocco and Brazil starting at 11pm GMT.
Tuchel emphasised respect for all opponents, including Ghana, whom he noted is "always full of talent," and Panama, who will embrace the underdog role. The clear objective for England remains winning the group to navigate the most favourable path through a tournament where the conditions and logistics will be as testing as the opposition.
