The path for England at the 2026 FIFA World Cup is now clear following the official fixture release. The Three Lions, under manager Thomas Tuchel, will commence their tournament in the United States with a high-stakes rematch against Croatia.
England's Group L Fixture Schedule Revealed
After learning their Group L opponents – Croatia, Ghana, and Panama – in Friday's draw, the Football Association confirmed the precise venues and times on Saturday. The opening game presents a chance for redemption, pitting England against the side that defeated them in the 2018 World Cup semi-final.
England vs Croatia will kick off at 9pm UK time (3pm local) on June 17, 2026. The match will be played at the iconic AT&T Stadium in Dallas, home of the Dallas Cowboys, offering a climate-controlled environment for the players.
The second group fixture sees England travel to face Ghana in Boston on June 23. That match is scheduled for a 4pm local start, which is 9pm in the United Kingdom. The final Group L encounter will be against Panama at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Kick-off is set for 5pm local time (10pm UK) on June 27.
Scotland Face Tough Test in Miami Heat
Scotland's journey also took shape, with Steve Clarke's side set for a challenging conclusion to their group stage. They will face the mighty Brazil in their final match, but not in the cool conditions of Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium as some had hoped.
Instead, Scotland vs Brazil will be played in the heat and humidity of Miami on June 24, with a 6pm local start (11pm UK). Historically, Scotland have faced Brazil four times in World Cup finals and have yet to secure a victory.
Their campaign begins against Haiti in Boston on June 13, with a late 9pm local kick-off translating to a 2am start on June 14 for fans watching back home. The second match against Morocco, also in Boston, is on June 19 at 6pm local time (11pm UK).
Key Details for Fans
All indications point to a series of late nights for British supporters following the action from across the Atlantic. The tournament's showpiece final has been confirmed for July 19 at the MetLife Stadium, with a 3pm local kick-off meaning an 8pm start time in the UK.
The draw and fixture announcement set the stage for what promises to be a unique and expansive World Cup across North America. For England, the immediate focus will be on settling an old score in Dallas, while Scotland brace for a formidable test in Florida's challenging conditions.
