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

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleThe 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 fullEngland World Cup squad LIVE: Several big-name players left out ahead of Tuchel confirmationThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

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