When is England’s next World Cup game and what do they need to reach the knockouts?

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The Independent

·17 giugno 2026

When is England’s next World Cup game and what do they need to reach the knockouts?

England’s World Cup 2026 campaign is underway following a thrilling 4-2 win against Croatia as Thomas Tuchel’s side target glory in North America this summer.

The Three Lions entered 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.

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As well as Croatia, England will face 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 overcame a shaky first half to offer an emphatic display of their strengths at the World Cup, with Kane scoring twice, Bellingham impressing, as well as set-piece threat and depth from the bench. Marcus Rashford secured the victory with a lovely finish in the closing stages.

And they will now look to secure progress to the last-32 when they face Ghana in their next Group L match.

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

England play Ghana on Tuesday 23 June. It will be played at the Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, the home of the New England Patriots and outside of Boston. Kick-off is 4pm local time, which is 9pm BST (UK time).

It will be shown in the UK on BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website.

June 17: England 4-2 Croatia | AT&T Stadium, Arlington

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

What do England need to reach the knockouts?

England’s win against Croatia puts them in a good position to reach the knockout phase and top the group.

Unless Panama beat Ghana and Croatia in their first two games, England could seal top spot in the group if they beat Ghana and claim a point against the minnows in their final match.

If Ghana beat Panama later on Wednesday, as is expected, then the Three Lions’ clash against the Ghanaian side may well decide who goes through as group winners.

In terms of the minimum required, three points (with a positive or level goal difference) should be enough to go through as one of the eight best-ranked third-place teams.