The 2026 FIFA World Cup has officially begun, with host nation Mexico securing a 2-0 victory over South Africa in the opening match. Striker Raul Jimenez, aged 35, scored his first World Cup goal to put Mexico ahead, before Roberto Alvarado added a second to seal the win.
England will soon take to the field in the United States, facing Croatia in their first group-stage encounter. The Three Lions are placed in Group L and will play three matches in the group phase.
When does England play?
England's group-stage fixtures are as follows:
- England vs Croatia – Wednesday, 17 June 2026 (9:00pm BST) in Dallas
- England vs Ghana – Tuesday, 23 June 2026 (9:00pm BST) in Boston
- England vs Panama – Saturday, 27 June 2026 (10:00pm BST) in New York/New Jersey
England's opening match against Croatia comes almost a week after the tournament's start, making them one of the later teams to begin their campaign.
How long does the World Cup last?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup runs from 11 June to 19 July 2026, making it the longest World Cup ever in terms of overall duration. It is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The tournament schedule is:
- Group Stage: 11–27 June
- Round of 32: 28 June–3 July
- Round of 16: 4–7 July
- Quarter-finals: 9–11 July
- Semi-finals: 14–15 July
- Third-place play-off: 18 July
- Final: 19 July
What makes this World Cup different?
The 2026 tournament is the first to feature 48 teams instead of 32. There are 12 groups of four teams, with the top two from each group plus the eight best third-placed teams progressing to a new Round of 32. A record 104 matches will be played.
What are the bookies saying about England's chances?
England enter the 2026 World Cup with a stronger chance than in many recent tournaments. Most bookmakers rank them as third favourites, behind only Spain and France. Betting markets generally imply a roughly 12–15% chance of England winning the tournament outright.
England arrived at the World Cup after an unbeaten qualifying campaign, winning every match and conceding no goals. Key players include Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, and Declan Rice, giving England strength across the pitch.
The biggest challenge is that other nations are also exceptionally strong. Spain arrive as European champions, while France possess one of the deepest squads in world football. Brazil, Argentina, Portugal, and Germany are also capable of winning the tournament.
