When is England’s first game at World Cup 2026? | OneFootball

England kick off their World Cup campaign against Croatia in Dallas as Thomas Tuchel’s side target glory in North America this summer.

The Three Lions enter the 48-team tournament as one of the favourites following an unbeaten qualifying campaign and after a prolific season from captain and top striker Harry Kane.

England will face Croatia, Ghana and Panama in the group stages but will be plotting a much deeper run at the tournament as they seek to win a second men’s international tournament following runners-up finishes at Euro 2020 and Euro 2024.

England notably faced Croatia in the 2018 World Cup semi-finals and their opening opponents, who continue to be led by 40-year-old midfielder Luka Modric, have an excellent recent record at major tournaments.

Tuchel’s team will play their final warm-up fixture, against Costa Rica, on the eve of the World Cup and will be one of the last teams of this newly expanded tournament to get underway, almost a week after the opening match.

When is England's first game at World Cup 2026?

England play Croatia on Wednesday 17 June. It will be played at the Dallas Stadium, the home of the Dallas Cowboys, which is in Arlington, Texas. Kick-off is 4pm local time, which is 9pm BST (UK time). It will be shown in the UK on ITV 1 and ITV X.

Harry Kane scored in England's pre-World Cup friendly win against New Zealand in Tampa, Florida (Getty)

England’s World Cup fixtures

June 17: England v Croatia | AT&T Stadium, Arlington – 4pm ET / 9pm BST

June 23: England v Ghana | Gillette Stadium, Foxborough – 4pm ET / 9pm BST

June 27: England v Panama | MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford – 5pm ET / 10pm BST