When are England playing at the 2026 World Cup? Full match schedule and UK kick-off times confirmed

England fans who are backing Thomas Tuchel's side from the United Kingdom during the 2026 World Cup have had to adapt to some unsociable kick-off times with matches spread across North America.

The 2026 tournament is the first World Cup to feature 48 teams and 104 matches, meaning supporters have had more football to follow than ever before.

However, the competition's spread across the United States, Mexico and Canada has created significant challenges for fans, with those in North America potentially having to travel between home cities which may be thousands of miles apart and facing significant time commitments and costs.

Those watching from home have had to contend with watching games held across differing time zones and at unsociable hours.

With England's path to the final now clear following a first-place finish in Group L, FootballGroundGuide provides a clear and easy-to-follow guide to every possible scenario.

England 2026 World Cup group stage fixtures and UK kick-off times

England’s three group matches took place in the evening UK time, making them the most accessible games for supporters watching from home.

• Matchday 1 vs Croatia: June 17th at 9:00pm (UK time)
• Matchday 2 vs Ghana: June 23rd at 9:00pm
• Matchday 3 vs Panama: June 27th at 10:00pm

These later evening slots reflect the time difference with host cities across the United States, Canada and Mexico, but they remain manageable compared to what will follow in the knockout rounds.

England's early evening start against DR Congo

After topping the group, England were handed a 5pm start for their Round of 32 clash against DR Congo on July 1st. Harry Kane netted a brace as the Three Lions came from behind to set up a daunting last-16 tie against co-hosts Mexico in the iconic Estadio Azteca.

What time does England vs. Mexico kick-off?

In stark contrast to the early evening kick-off against DR Congo, England's last-16 tie will begin at the unsociable hour of 1am on July 5th, making it the Three Lions' earliest or latest start of the tournament, depending on your point of view.

What time would England's potential quarter-final get underway?

If England reach the last eight, they will play fellow European side Norway or five-time winners Brazil. Three Lions will be pleased to know that the kick-off time will be similar to the group stage games, with a potential quarter-final tie set to start at 10pm on July 11th.

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Prime-time evening TV slots for 2026 World Cup semi-final and final

If England make it to the latter stages, the schedule becomes far more fan-friendly again.

• Semi-finals: July 14th or 15th at 8:00pm
• Final: July 19th at 8:00pm

These prime-time kick-offs ensure the biggest matches of the tournament are accessible to a global audience.

Should England reach the semi-finals and final, supporters in the United Kingdom will, at least, be able to watch the biggest match in world football, and the Three Lions' bid to win the competition for the first time since 1966, without needing to stay up into the early hours – a welcome contrast to several of the earlier knockout-round possibilities.

Fancy a punt on England repeating the 1966 heroics? If so, make sure to look at our World Cup betting guide to ensure you are getting the best advice.