THE wait is nearly over for England fans, with the Three Lions set to begin their hunt for World Cup glory.
Thomas Tuchel’s side are among the favourites to win the tournament, but have been handed a tricky opener against familiar foes.
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The Three Lions’ first match is against Croatia, who are captained by Luka Modric Credit: Getty
When is England’s first World Cup 2026 match?
England kick off their campaign on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, against Croatia.
The match gets under way at 9pm UK time and will be played at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
It is a mouthwatering repeat of the 2018 World Cup semi-final, when Croatia knocked England out 2-1 after extra time.
Thomas Tuchel’s men will be desperate for revenge, with England arriving in good form.
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The team won all eight of their qualifiers without conceding a single goal.
Who is in England’s World Cup group?
England have been drawn in Group L, alongside Croatia, Ghana and Panama.
After the Croatia opener, the Three Lions face Ghana on Tuesday, June 23, at the Gillette Stadium in Boston, again with a 9pm UK kick-off.
They then round off their group campaign against Panama on Saturday, June 27, at the MetLife Stadium near New York, kicking off at 10pm UK time.
England thrashed Panama 6-1 at the 2018 finals, though they have never met Ghana in a competitive match.
Tuchel said it is a “difficult” group overall.
He continued: “No one should be underestimated.
“Of course, Croatia is the standout name – the highest-ranked team from Pot 2 that we got into our group.
“It’s a difficult opener against Croatia. We take it from here.
“Ghana is always full of talent and can always surprise and has a big history in World Cup football.
“Also, Panama will try to make the most in the underdog role.
“No one can be underestimated – everyone deserves the fullest respect and we will show that.”
How can I watch England at the World Cup?
UK coverage of the 2026 World Cup is shared between the BBC and ITV.
England’s opener against Croatia will be shown live on ITV1, while the Ghana clash is on BBC One, and the Panama game returns to ITV1.
With the matches kicking off at 9pm and 10pm UK time, fans back home will not have to stay up too late, at least in the group stage.
The tournament, hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico, kicks off on June 11, with the final scheduled for July 19 at New York’s MetLife Stadium.
