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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Alex Young

When are England's World Cup 2026 fixture dates and venues confirmed?

England’s Group L - (Sam Corum/PA Wire)

England know who they will face in the 2026 World Cup group stage, but not yet exactly when or where.

The Three Lions have been drawn against Croatia, Ghana and Panama in Group L for next summer's World Cup finals in North America.

Their first game will be against Croatia on June 17, followed by Ghana on June 23 and then Panama on June 23.

But hold fire before booking flights and accommodation, as the time, date and location of those fixtures will be confirmed the following day.

When are England's World Cup 2026 fixture dates and venues confirmed?

In tournaments past, the World Cup draw would see not only opponents confirmed but, at the same time, dates, times and venues.

This inaugural 48-nation format has upped the ante - in more ways than one - so those logistics take a little bit longer to organise.

This means FIFA will host a special event on Saturday, December 6, to confirm the full 104-match schedule.

The ceremony is due to begin at 5pm UK time (12pm midday in Washington), and be broadcast across FIFA’s social channels, including their YouTube page.

England will find out who they will face on Friday, and on Saturday they find out when and where.

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