England's first match of the World Cup is set to kick off tonight, at a much later time than fans may be used to. With the tournament taking place in North America, supporters across Europe will have to get used to later nights in the weeks ahead.
Match Date and Kick-Off Time
The highly anticipated Group L opener between England and Croatia takes place tonight, Wednesday, June 17, 2026. The match is scheduled to kick off at 9:00 PM BST.
Match Venue and Location
The heavyweight encounter will be held at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Both teams have arrived in North America ahead of their first match of the final tournament.
TV Broadcast Channels
Fans watching in the United Kingdom can catch the game live on free-to-air television via ITV1. Pre-match coverage and expert analysis will precede the 9:00 PM kick-off.
UK Live Streaming Options
For those who prefer to stream the match online or on mobile devices, it will be broadcast live via ITVX. Alternatively, live matchday blogs and updates can be followed on the official England Football app.
US Broadcast and Streaming Details
Supporters in the United States can watch the English-language coverage live on FOX at 4:00 PM ET (3:00 PM CT). A national Spanish-language broadcast is available on Telemundo, with streaming on Peacock.
England Team Selection Dilemmas
England manager Thomas Tuchel faces tough decisions on his starting lineup, particularly in the attacking midfield area. Marcus Rashford is competing with Anthony Gordon for a spot on the left flank, while Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers vie for the No. 10 role.
England Defensive and Fitness Updates
Captain Harry Kane is reported to be fully fit and ready to lead the line for his third consecutive World Cup campaign. In central defence, Tuchel is weighing whether to deploy John Stones, Ezri Konsa, or Marc Guéhi.
Croatia Team Selection and Strategy
Croatia manager Zlatko Dalić is reportedly considering a surprise selection by starting FC Dallas striker Petar Musa over veteran Andrej Kramarić. Meanwhile, 40-year-old captain Luka Modrić remains the engine room of the midfield.
Historic Milestones for Key Players
If Harry Kane plays tonight, it will mark his 30th major tournament appearance, setting an all-time record for an England player. On the other side, Modrić is set to join a select group of Europeans to feature in five World Cups.
Head-to-Head Tournament History
This marks the fourth time these nations have faced each other at a major tournament, with their most famous encounter being Croatia's 2-1 extra-time win in the 2018 World Cup semi-final. England gained slight revenge with a 1-0 win at Euro 2020.
