WORLD CUP 2026
England's World Cup Fixtures — All UK Kick-Off Times
Introduction
England are in Group L of the 2026 World Cup alongside Croatia, Ghana and Panama. All times shown are UK time (BST — British Summer Time, which is one hour ahead of GMT).
Group Stage Fixtures
Game 1: England vs Croatia
Wednesday 17 June 2026 | AT&T Stadium, Dallas, Texas | 9:00pm UK time
England’s opening game is against Croatia — the team that knocked England out in the 2018 World Cup semi-final. It is the most significant game of the group stage from an emotional standpoint. Luka Modric — possibly the greatest midfielder of his generation — will play for Croatia, likely in his final World Cup. A must-win for England psychologically.
Game 2: England vs Ghana
Tuesday 23 June 2026 | Gillette Stadium, Boston, Massachusetts | 9:00pm UK time
England’s second group game against Ghana. The Black Stars are a talented West African team who have reached the World Cup quarter-finals before. England will be expected to win but should not underestimate them.
Game 3: Panama vs England
Saturday 27 June 2026 | MetLife Stadium, New York/New Jersey | 10:00pm UK time
The final group game. England beat Panama 6-1 at the 2018 World Cup — one of the most emphatic England performances in decades, featuring Harry Kane’s hat-trick. Panama are improved since then but are still the weakest team in the group. England will aim to secure top spot.
If England Qualify — Potential Knockout Path
The World Cup uses a new format in 2026. The top two from each group qualify automatically for the Round of 32. Eight best third-placed teams also qualify. Then it’s straight knockout — win or go home.
If England win Group L, they are likely to face the runner-up from Group K in the Round of 32. From there, a path to the semi-finals could involve teams from other groups. The new bracket system is designed so the top four seeds (England, Spain, France, Argentina) cannot meet until the semi-finals.
England could face France or Argentina in the final if both teams progress as expected. That is the dream scenario — but first, England need to get out of the group.
Key Dates
17 June — England vs Croatia (Group stage, game 1)
23 June — England vs Ghana (Group stage, game 2)
27 June — Panama vs England (Group stage, game 3)
1-3 July — Round of 32 (if England qualify)
5-9 July — Round of 16
11-12 July — Quarter-finals
15 July — Semi-finals
19 July — FINAL, MetLife Stadium, New York/New Jersey