England will begin their 2026 World Cup campaign against Croatia in Dallas on Wednesday 17 June, as Thomas Tuchel's side aim for glory in North America. The Three Lions enter the 48-team tournament as one of the favourites after an unbeaten qualifying campaign and a prolific season from captain Harry Kane.
England face Croatia, Ghana and Panama in the group stages, with all matches scheduled for June. The opening fixture against Croatia at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, kicks off at 4pm local time (9pm BST) and will be broadcast on ITV 1 and ITV X. Croatia, led by 40-year-old Luka Modric, have an excellent recent record at major tournaments, including a 2018 World Cup semi-final victory over England.
Tuchel's team won their final warm-up match against Costa Rica the night before the tournament began. England are one of the last teams to start their campaign, almost a week after the opening match of the expanded 48-team tournament.
Following the Croatia match, England play Ghana on 23 June at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, and Panama on 27 June at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Both matches kick off at 4pm ET (9pm BST) and 5pm ET (10pm BST) respectively.
England are seeking to win a second men's international tournament after runners-up finishes at Euro 2020 and Euro 2024. The Three Lions will be plotting a deep run in North America as they target World Cup glory.
