Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Independent Reporters

When does the World Cup 2026 start and who are England playing first?

World Cup England the World Cup
  • The 2026 World Cup is just weeks away, with the expanded 48-team tournament being held across Mexico, Canada and the USA.
  • For the first time, the tournament will feature 48 teams, divided into 12 groups of four, with the top two from each group and the eight best third-placed teams advancing to the round of 32.
  • England has been placed in Group L, where they will compete against Croatia, Ghana, and Panama, while Scotland is in Group C alongside Brazil, Morocco and Haiti.
  • The World Cup is scheduled to begin on 11 June in Mexico City's Azteca Stadium, a venue renowned for its historical significance in past tournaments, and will conclude with the final on 19 July at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium.
  • England will take on Croatia in their first game in Dallas on June 17 – the game will kick off at 9pm BST.

IN FULL

England World Cup squad LIVE: Several big-name players left out ahead of Tuchel confirmation

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Kim Kardashian reveals she takes 35 supplements a day, opens up about ‘pill fatigue’: What it is and how it can affect your health
Reality star Kim Kardashian revealed she takes nearly 35 supplements daily, leading to "pill fatigue." She humorously wished for an IV drip to simplify her routine. Experts note this exhaustion can cause individuals to skip or stop medications, potentially impacting health outcomes for chronic conditions.
The Economic Times
The Economic Times
‘Growing up, you couldn’t play Bon Jovi – that’s what our parents listened to’: Bebe Rexha’s honest playlist
The chart-topping star makes a strong case for Livin’ on a Prayer and opts for TLC at karaoke. But which song reminds her too much of her ex to listen to?
The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Pete Davidson and John Mulaney explain why they regularly lied to Saturday Night Live celebrity guests
John Mulaney and Pete Davidson used to regularly lie when asked for feedback from Saturday Night Live guest hosts.
BANG Premier
BANG Premier
Where Do JLo And Leah Remini Stand After Alleged Estrangement And Ben Affleck Drama? A Source Speaks Out
They used to be besties.
Cinemablend
Cinemablend
Taylor Swift Wedding Plans Hit With Furious Guest Drama After Single Invitee Claims She Was Denied A Plus-One
“Get off your high horse and stay home with your tissues,” a reader wrote.
Bored Panda
Bored Panda
A Woman’s New MAGA Tattoo Has Many Online Asking “Why Does She Have Nathan Lane on Her Back?”
This tattoo is like one of those photos where every time you look, you find something new that is worse than before. The shading; the backwards American flag; the MAGA flag that looks like it says MANGA, for some reason. The…face of renowned theatre actor Nathan Lane cosplaying as President…
The Mary Sue
The Mary Sue
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.
Download on the AppStore Get it on Google Play