Well, folks, it’s officially here. Hot off the back of Arsenal’s incredible performance last month, football fever still fills the city as the FIFA World Cup 2026™ officially kicks off.
England will commence their battle for the trophy this week in the group stages of the competition. Throughout June, they’ll face off against Croatia, Ghana, and Panama. After these matches, the top two teams (and potentially the third), will move on to the knockout stage.
Who is England playing?
In their first FIFA World Cup match, England will face off against Croatia.
When is England playing?
England’s match against Croatia will take place on Wednesday, June 17, 2026.
The match will kick off at 9pm BST.
Where is the match?
The match will take place in Arlington, Texas.
Players will take to the pitch at Dallas Stadium in Arlington.
Who is on the England team?
The England squad was announced last month, with Harry Kane captaining England at his third World Cup, equalling the record set by Billy Wright in 1950, 1954 and 1958.
Jordan Henderson will be making a Three Lions’ record-equalling fourth appearance in the finals alongside Sir Bobby Charlton. It will be his seventh major tournament, equalling Lucy Bronze’s all-time England record of UEFA EURO and World Cup finals’ appearances.
From London, the following players have been selected for the squad:
- Eberechi Eze (Arsenal)
- Declan Rice (Arsenal)
- Noni Madueke (Arsenal)
- Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
- Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace)
- Reece James (Chelsea )
- Djed Spence (Tottenham Hotspur)
- Jordan Henderson (Brentford)
Where to watch the FIFA World Cup
We’ve put together a handy guide of the best spots in the city to watch the FIFA World Cup this month. Among them are:
- Boxpark
- Vinegar Yard
- Flat Iron Square
- Hackney Bridge
- The Clapham Grand
- and more…
Will pubs stay open late for the FIFA World Cup?
Pubs will be able to stay open late for at least some of the FIFA World Cup fixtures.
Earlier this year, it was announced that pubs around the country would be allowed to stay open as late as 2am this summer for the World Cup. But this isn’t the case for all matches. Pubs can stay open late for the FIFA World Cup in the following situations:
- Pubs can stay open until 1am for any quarter final, semi-final or the final if the match starts at or before 9pm
- Pubs can stay open until 2am for any quarter final if the match starts at 10pm
