The draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has concluded, setting the stage for England's campaign in the expanded 48-team tournament. The Three Lions, managed by Thomas Tuchel, entered the draw in Pot 1, as one of the favorites. The draw took place on December 5, 2025, in Washington, D.C..
England will face a familiar foe in Croatia, renewing their rivalry in the opening game of Group L. Croatia famously defeated England in the 2018 World Cup semi-final.
The full fixture list for England is as follows:
- June 17, 2026: England vs. Croatia at BMO Field, Toronto, or AT&T Stadium, Arlington.
The exact dates, venues, and kick-off times for England's remaining group matches will be confirmed on Saturday, December 6, at 5 pm GMT. As a Pot 1 team, England was drawn against one team from each of Pot 2, Pot 3, and Pot 4.
The 2026 World Cup will be held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with 104 matches played in 16 cities over five weeks. The tournament is scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19, 2026. England secured their place at the World Cup after a dominant qualifying campaign in Group K, winning all eight of their matches against Albania, Serbia, Latvia and Andorra. They completed the campaign without conceding a single goal.
