England open the 2026 World Cup against Croatia on 17 June in Dallas, and that answer to when do england play in the world cup gives supporters the first fixed date to circle. Thomas Tuchel’s side will then play Ghana and Panama in a group schedule that stretches across Boston and New York/New Jersey.
Dallas Opens England’s Group
The Croatia match starts at 3pm local time, which is 9pm BST and 6am AEST on 18 June. England begin their tournament on 17 June, six days after the World Cup kicks off on 11 June, so the opener arrives early in the group stage rather than at the end of it.
Tuchel has already said he wants “to try and put a second star on the shirt”, and he has made selection calls to match that ambition. He omitted Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold from his squad, while Ivan Toney was included.
Boston And New York/New Jersey
England’s second game comes against Ghana on 23 June in Boston. That fixture is set for 4pm local time, 9pm BST and 6am AEST on 24 June, keeping the timing consistent for supporters in Britain while pushing another early start for viewers in Australia.
The group ends against Panama on 27 June in New York/New Jersey, where the match kicks off at 5pm local time, 10pm BST and 7am AEST on 28 June. Those three fixtures give England a clear run through the first stage, with no room for drift in a group that is already mapped out in full.
Tuchel’s England Standard
Tuchel has been direct about the challenge in front of England, saying this week, “We can’t be one of the favourites as we haven’t won it for so long,” and adding, “There are proven winners within the tournament. These are the favourites.” He took over after Gareth Southgate’s near misses and later extended his contract through Euro 2028.
England at least arrive with a clean qualifying record: eight wins from eight games, 22 goals scored and none conceded. They also beat New Zealand and Costa Rica in warm-up matches in Florida, and Tuchel said after the Costa Rica game, “This will hopefully be an amazing experience,” but the real schedule now starts with Croatia in Dallas and a group that leaves little margin for error.
