When are the next England Men’s Football team matches? And where can you watch them?
Excitement is building around the England men’s national football team as Thomas Tuchel’s side prepare for the biggest tournament in world football. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup fast approaching, England’s schedule is now taking shape — including crucial warm-up friendlies and the Three Lions’ full group-stage fixtures in the United States.
Fans across the UK will be able to follow every moment live on free-to-air television, with the BBC and ITV once again sharing coverage of the tournament.
England’s World Cup Warm-Up Matches
Before heading into tournament action, England will play two high-profile international friendlies designed to fine-tune Tuchel’s squad ahead of the World Cup opener.
England vs New Zealand
Saturday June 6, 2026
Kick-off: 9pm BST
Live on ITV1 and ITVX
England’s first warm-up fixture sees the Three Lions take on New Zealand in what is expected to be the final opportunity for fringe players to impress before the World Cup squad is locked in.
England vs Costa Rica
Wednesday June 10, 2026
Kick-off: TBC
UK broadcaster expected to be confirmed between BBC and ITV
The final preparation match comes against Costa Rica just days before England begin their World Cup campaign in Texas.
England’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Fixtures
England have been drawn into Group L alongside Croatia, Ghana and Panama. The tournament, hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico, represents a major opportunity for England to challenge for their first World Cup triumph since 1966.
England vs Croatia
Wednesday June 17, 2026
Venue: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
Kick-off: 9pm BST
Live on ITV1 and ITVX
England begin their campaign with a blockbuster clash against Croatia — a fixture carrying echoes of the dramatic 2018 World Cup semi-final.
England vs Ghana
Tuesday June 23, 2026
Venue: Gillette Stadium, Massachusetts
Kick-off: 9pm BST
Live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer
The Three Lions then face Ghana in what could prove to be one of the most entertaining group-stage contests of the tournament.
Panama vs England
Saturday June 27, 2026
Venue: MetLife Stadium, New Jersey
Kick-off: 10pm BST
Live on ITV1 and ITVX
England wrap up their group-stage campaign against Panama in New Jersey, with qualification for the knockout rounds potentially on the line.
Where Can Fans Watch England at the World Cup?
UK viewers will be able to watch every England match free-to-air across BBC and ITV platforms, including:
BBC One
BBC iPlayer
ITV1
ITVX
The BBC and ITV have split the rights package for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with ITV showing England’s opener against Croatia and final group game against Panama, while the BBC will broadcast the clash with Ghana. Both broadcasters are also expected to share England knockout coverage depending on tournament progression.
A Huge Summer Ahead for the Three Lions
With a talented squad featuring stars such as Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice, hopes are once again rising that England can finally end decades of World Cup heartbreak.
Thomas Tuchel’s first major tournament in charge promises drama, pressure and enormous expectation as the Three Lions attempt to go one step further on football’s grandest stage.
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