The World Cup 2026 is here. Sixty years since England last won it, thirty-two nations across three countries, 104 games. And this summer, for once, the time difference is not the enemy.
With the tournament being played across the United States, Canada and Mexico, England’s group stage games all kick off in the evening UK time. No 2am alarm calls. No watching through your fingers at lunchtime. Proper evening football, the way it should be.
Here are the dates, times and everything you need to know.
England’s World Cup 2026 squad
Thomas Tuchel has named a 26-man squad. Harry Kane captains the side at his third World Cup, with Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice all central to the setup. Jordan Pickford is in goal, Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo are in the squad alongside a mix of experienced tournament players and first-timers.
The last two World Cups tell the story of a squad that is getting closer. In 2018, England reached the semi-finals – their best run since 1990 – losing to Croatia 2-1 after extra time. Harry Kane won the Golden Boot with six goals. In 2022, they went out in the quarter-finals, losing to France 2-1 in Qatar. The momentum is there. The question is whether 2026 is the year it actually happens.
England’s World Cup 2026 Group Stage Fixtures
England are in Group L alongside Croatia, Ghana and Panama. Three games. Three evenings. Here is the schedule in full:
England vs Croatia – Wednesday 17 June, 9pm BST
Dallas | ITV1
The tournament opener and the most difficult group stage game on paper. Croatia have a habit of making England uncomfortable – they knocked England out in the 2018 semi-final and are still a well-organised, experienced side. The 9pm kick-off means you want to be settled in somewhere with a drink in hand well before then.
England vs Ghana – Tuesday 23 June, 9pm BST
Boston | BBC One
Ghana are physical, organised and will press high. England should have enough quality but should is doing a lot of work in that sentence, and Ghana beat the expectations set for them in 2022. Another 9pm start. Another evening to organise around.
Panama vs England – Saturday 27 June, 10pm BST
New York-New Jersey | ITV1
The Saturday night decider. If England are already through, this becomes a rotation game. If they need the points, it becomes exactly the kind of tense, difficult evening nobody quite expected. Either way, 10pm on a Saturday in a good venue with a pitcher of something cold is the right call.
How does the 2026 World Cup group stage work?
The World Cup 2026 expands to 48 teams across 12 groups of four. The top two from each group qualify automatically for the round of 32. The eight best third-placed teams across all 12 groups also advance – meaning finishing third is not necessarily the end. The round of 32 is new to this tournament; previous World Cups went straight from the group stage to the round of 16.
England’s route to the final of World Cup 2026
Topping Group L matters. If England win the group, they face a third-placed team in the round of 32 – generally a softer draw than the runners-up route. Progress further and the bracket opens up: FIFA’s seeding system means England cannot face Spain or Argentina until the semi-finals, and cannot meet France until the final – provided all four nations top their respective groups.
Finish second, and the bracket shifts. England would face the runners-up from Group K – which contains Portugal, Congo DR, Uzbekistan and Colombia – and the path to the latter stages runs through different opposition. The message is simple: win the group.
The final is on Sunday 19 July in New York-New Jersey. England’s three group games are all in the evening UK time. Keep the diary clear for the whole summer.
Watch the World Cup at Draughts
The Big Screen. The Big Game.
Book your table and watch the World Cup on one of our four screens – three of them over 120 inches. A full house, great food, and drinks and cocktails flowing from three bars.
The terrace is yours before and after, but inside is where the atmosphere is. A drink is included on arrival. As these are guaranteed seats, you’ll need to book the full table capacity. Doors open at 7pm and you’re in until the final whistle. Closer to the action than your front room.
We are showing all three England group stage games at Draughts Stratford:
England vs Croatia – Wednesday 17 June 2026
England vs Ghana – Tuesday 23 June 2026
Panama vs England – Saturday 27 June 2026
Tables go fast. Book yours now.
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The food and drink
The kitchen is running a full menu on match nights. The Nachos Grande (£20) and the Sampler Platter (£35 – corndogs, empanadas, halloumi fries, tortilla chips, hummus, guacamole, the lot) are the obvious sharers to order when you are watching a game with a group. The Short Rib Birria Tacos (£13.25) – slow-cooked rare breed beef in a chilli and lime broth with a consommé dip – are worth ordering on their own. The Double Smashed Cheese Burger (£17.50) is there for when you need something properly substantial.
On drinks: the pitchers were made for this. Margarita pitcher (£30), Dark & Stormy (£25.95), Cream Soda Bramble (£25.95). Or if you are keeping it simple, House Lager or Camden Pale Ale on draught and a plate of Korean Fried Chicken (£9.50) – sticky soy and gochujang glaze, crispy onions, citrus mayo. That is a 9pm kick-off sorted.
Frequently Asked Questions about England World Cup 2026
What are England’s World Cup 2026 fixtures and UK kick-off times?
England play Croatia on Wednesday 17 June at 9pm BST, Ghana on Tuesday 23 June at 9pm BST, and Panama on Saturday 27 June at 10pm BST.
What group are England in at the 2026 World Cup?
Group L, alongside Croatia, Ghana and Panama.
Who is England’s manager at the 2026 World Cup?
Thomas Tuchel. He was appointed England manager in October 2024 and named his 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup in May 2026.
Who is England’s captain at the 2026 World Cup?
Harry Kane captains England at the 2026 World Cup – his third World Cup tournament. Kane won the Golden Boot at the 2018 World Cup in Russia with six goals.
What TV channel are England’s World Cup games on?
England vs Croatia (17 June) and Panama vs England (27 June) are on ITV1. England vs Ghana (23 June) is on BBC One. All are free to air, with streaming on ITVX and BBC iPlayer.
How does the 2026 World Cup group stage work?
48 teams are split into 12 groups of four. The top two from each group qualify automatically for the round of 32. The eight best third-placed teams across all 12 groups also advance, giving a total of 32 teams in the knockout stage.
How far did England get at the last two World Cups?
In 2018, England reached the semi-finals, losing to Croatia 2-1 after extra time – their best run since 1990. Harry Kane won the Golden Boot with six goals. In 2022, England were knocked out in the quarter-finals by France, losing 2-1.
Who could England face in the knockout rounds?
If England top Group L, they face a third-placed team in the round of 32. The bracket is structured so that England cannot meet Spain or Argentina until the semi-finals, and cannot face France until the final – provided all those nations progress as group winners. Topping the group gives the more favourable route.
Where can I watch England’s World Cup games in London?
Draughts has venues in Waterloo and Stratford, both showing all England games on four screens (three over 120 inches). Tables must be booked in advance at draughtslondon.com.
Where can I watch England vs Croatia in London on 17 June?
Draughts Waterloo and Draughts Stratford (Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park) are both showing England vs Croatia on 17 June, 9pm BST. Book a table at draughtslondon.com.
What is included when I book a World Cup table at Draughts?
A drink is included on arrival. Doors open at 7pm and you are in until the final whistle. As these are guaranteed seats, you will need to book the full table capacity.
When is the 2026 World Cup final?
Sunday 19 July 2026, in New York-New Jersey.
Where is the 2026 World Cup being held?
Across the United States, Canada and Mexico, across 16 host cities. England’s group games are in Dallas, Boston and New York-New Jersey.
