The FIFA World Cup is here, and England are on their way to their 17th football World Cup. England’s first game is set to take place in June 2026, with fixtures and opponents yet to be confirmed. So, get your wall charts at the ready as we bring you all the England World Cup fixtures you need to fill in!
For almost a century, the FIFA World Cup has created some of the most wonderful memories in football. This year sees the 23rd tournament take place in the USA, Canada and Mexico. The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be the first to feature 48 teams and the first to span three different countries.
With 104 matches played between 48 countries within 39 days, it is sure to be a feast of football for fans around the world.
England will be participating in their 17th FIFA World Cup finals, with Thomas Tuchel’s men looking to build on recent tournament performances and push for glory. However, to reach their first World Cup final since 1966, they will have to progress through the group stage, followed by potential matches in the round of 32, round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and ultimately, the final. Before we get into England’s World Cup Fixtures, let’s take a look at how they secured their place in North America.
England’s Road to the 2026 World Cup
England will aim to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup through the UEFA qualifying stages. Drawn into Group K, they will face teams including Serbia, Albania, Latvia, and Andorra. The qualifying campaign kicks off in March 2025, with England playing Albania at Wembley Stadium.
England’s World Cup 2026 Qualifying Fixtures & Results
- March 21, 2025: England vs. Albania (Wembley Stadium)
- March 24, 2025: England vs. Latvia (Wembley Stadium)
- June 6, 2025: Andorra vs. England (Away)
- June 9, 2025: Latvia vs. England (Away)
- September 6, 2025: England vs. Andorra (Venue TBC)
- September 9, 2025: Albania vs. England (Away)
- October 10, 2025: England vs. Serbia (Wembley Stadium)
- October 13, 2025: Serbia vs. England (Away)
The group winners will secure automatic qualification, while runners-up will enter play-offs for a final chance to reach the tournament.
England’s Potential Knockout Fixtures
If England advances from the group stage, they will enter the round of 32. Here’s what their potential route to the final could look like:
Route 1: As Group Winners
- Round of 32: vs Group Runners-up (June 30 – July 2, 2026)
- Round of 16: vs Winner of another Round of 32 game (July 4-5, 2026)
- Quarter-finals: July 9-10, 2026
- Semi-finals: July 14-15, 2026
- Final: July 19, 2026
Route 2: As Group Runners-up
- Round of 32: vs Group Winners (June 30 – July 2, 2026)
- Round of 16: vs Winner of another Round of 32 game (July 4-5, 2026)
- Quarter-finals: July 9-10, 2026
- Semi-finals: July 14-15, 2026
- Final: July 19, 2026
England will face potential challenges from teams like Brazil, France, Germany, and Argentina, depending on group placements and knockout stage results.
England’s 2022 World Cup Campaign
England entered the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar with high hopes, aiming to build on their semi-final finish in 2018. Drawn into Group B alongside Iran, the USA, and Wales, the Three Lions started the tournament in dominant fashion.
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Group Stage:
- England 6-2 Iran – A statement opening victory, with Bukayo Saka scoring twice and goals from Jude Bellingham, Raheem Sterling, Marcus Rashford, and Jack Grealish.
- England 0-0 USA – A frustrating draw where England struggled to break down a resilient American side.
- England 3-0 Wales – An emphatic win sealed by goals from Rashford (2) and Phil Foden, securing top spot in Group B.
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Round of 16:
- England 3-0 Senegal – A professional performance saw England comfortably dispatch the African champions, with goals from Jordan Henderson, Harry Kane, and Saka.
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Quarter-Finals:
- England 1-2 France – In a tightly contested match, England fought hard but were knocked out by the eventual runners-up. Kane equalised from the penalty spot but missed a crucial second penalty late on, sending the Three Lions home in heartbreaking fashion.
Despite falling short, England’s young squad showed promise, with standout performances from Bellingham, Saka, and Kane. Their experience in Qatar set the foundation for a strong campaign heading into the 2026 World Cup.
Can England Win the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
As one of the top-ranked nations, England will be among the favourites for the World Cup. They have a strong squad with young talents like Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden expected to play key roles. Having reached the final of Euro 2020 and the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup, England will be hoping to finally bring football home for the first time since 1966.
How can I watch England’s World Cup 2026 games on TV?
Due to the UK government including the World Cup Finals being on a mandated ‘protected’ list, it must be shown on free-to-air terrestrial television.
The BBC and ITV will share coverage of the FIFA World Cup on UK television. This means every World Cup match will be shown on either ITV or BBC this winter.
Exact TV listings will be confirmed closer to the tournament, but BBC and ITV are likely to alternate match selections, ensuring full coverage of England’s campaign.
Can England Win the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
As one of the top-ranked nations, England will be among the favourites for the World Cup. They have a strong squad with young talents like Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden expected to play key roles. Having reached the final of Euro 2020 and the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup, England will be hoping to finally bring football home for the first time since 1966.
What Will be England’s World Cup 2026 kit?
England’s new home and away kits for the tournament will be released in early 2026. Nike will continue to supply the team’s kits, and early leaks suggest a return to a classic white home kit with blue and red details, while the away kit is expected to feature a bold colour scheme.
Who is in England’s squad for the 2026 World Cup?
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, England’s squad is shaping up with a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talents. Under the guidance of manager Thomas Tuchel, the team aims to build upon recent successes and make a significant impact on the global stage.
Goalkeepers:
- Jordan Pickford – Everton
- Aaron Ramsdale – Southampton
- James Trafford –Burnley
Pickford remains a reliable presence between the posts, with Ramsdale and Trafford providing strong competition.
Defenders:
- Trent Alexander-Arnold – Liverpool
- John Stones – Manchester City
- Marc Guehi – Crystal Palace
- Fikayo Tomori – AC Milan
The defence combines experience and youth, with James and Alexander-Arnold offering versatility on the right flank. Stones’ leadership pairs well with the athleticism of Guehi and Tomori, while Chilwell and Shaw provide options on the left (if fit!).
Midfielders:
- Declan Rice – West Ham United
- Jude Bellingham – Real Madrid
- Phil Foden – Manchester City
- Jacob Ramsey – Aston Villa
- Curtis Jones – Liverpool
Rice continues to anchor the midfield, with Bellingham’s dynamic playmaking abilities complementing Foden’s creativity. Ramsey and Jones add depth and versatility to the midfield lineup.
Forwards:
- Harry Kane – Tottenham Hotspur
- Bukayo Saka – Arsenal
- Marcus Rashford – Manchester United
- Jack Grealish – Manchester City
- Cole Palmer – Chelsea
- Anthony Gordon – Newcastle United
Kane remains the focal point of England’s attack, with Saka providing pace and flair on the wing. Grealish’s creativity, along with the emerging talents of Palmer and Gordon, offers Tuchel a variety of offensive options. Could Rashford make his way back into the England setup?
