The match schedule for England and Scotland at the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been officially confirmed, following the draw for the group stage in Washington DC. The first 48-team World Cup will take place across Canada, Mexico, and the United States from 11 June to 19 July 2026, featuring 104 matches across 16 host cities.
Fans of the home nations now know where and when their teams will play, with both sides set for challenging travel schedules as they compete for a place in the knockout stages.
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England’s Group Stage Fixtures
England has been drawn into Group L and will play all three of their matches in the United States.
- 17 June, Wednesday – vs Croatia: 21:00 BST, AT&T Stadium, Dallas (15:00 local). The stadium will operate under a closed roof with air conditioning due to expected high temperatures in Texas.
- 23 June, Tuesday – vs Ghana: 21:00 BST, Gillette Stadium, Boston (16:00 local).
- 27 June, Saturday – vs Panama: 22:00 BST, MetLife Stadium, New Jersey (17:00 local), the venue for the tournament final.
Both the Dallas and Boston matches will be played on temporary grass surfaces, as these stadiums normally use artificial turf.
Scotland’s Group Stage Fixtures
Scotland will compete in Group C, with all matches held in the United States:
- 14 June, Sunday – vs Haiti: 02:00 BST, Gillette Stadium, Boston (21:00 local).
- 19 June, Friday – vs Morocco: 23:00 BST, Gillette Stadium, Boston (18:00 local).
- 24 June, Wednesday – vs Brazil: 23:00 BST, Hard Rock Stadium, Miami (18:00 local).
Scotland will face potentially extreme heat and humidity, particularly in Miami, which could be a key factor in their final group match.
Potential Fixtures for Wales or Northern Ireland
If either Wales or Northern Ireland qualify through the UEFA play-off rounds in March, they will play all three group matches at 20:00 BST:
- 12 June – vs Canada, Toronto
- 18 June – vs Switzerland, Los Angeles
- 24 June – vs Qatar, Seattle
Fans in England and Wales may see extended pub hours during the tournament, with consultations underway to allow venues to stay open until 01:00 if a home nation reaches the quarter-finals.
World Cup Overview
- Opening Match: 11 June, Mexico City – Mexico vs South Africa at 20:00 BST.
- Final: 19 July, MetLife Stadium, New Jersey at 20:00 BST.
- Semi-Finals: Dallas and Atlanta, 20:00 BST.
The 2026 tournament spans four time zones and three countries, with host cities separated by up to 2,800 miles. Safety concerns over high temperatures have influenced kick-off times, particularly in Dallas and Miami.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino, alongside football legends including Ronaldo, Francesco Totti, Hristo Stoichkov, and Alexi Lalas, unveiled the full match schedule, emphasizing the historic scale of the expanded 48-team tournament.
England and Scotland Fans Face Gruelling Travel
BBC Sport analysis highlights the extensive travel England fans could face. Should England reach the final after winning Group L, supporters would travel 6,468.5 miles across four cities, with nearly 19 hours in the air.
Scotland fans face a slightly lighter, yet still demanding journey. A group win and progression to the final would require 6,083.3 miles of travel, taking just over 18 hours. Comparatively, France fans have the shortest journey at 2,675 miles, with convenient train transfers between East Rutherford and Philadelphia.
Other notable travel challenges include Portugal (6,781.9 miles) and Spain (6,667.2 miles), while Mexico benefits from three consecutive matches at the Azteca Stadium, limiting travel to 3,199.7 miles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Opening match?
Mexico vs South Africa, 11 June, 20:00 BST.
Special conditions?
Air-conditioned stadiums in Dallas; temporary grass pitches in Dallas and Boston; adjusted kick-off times for heat.
Travel for fans?
England: up to 6,468.5 miles; Scotland: 6,083.3 miles; France: shortest at 2,675 miles.
Late-night pubs?
Potentially open until 01:00 BST if a home nation reaches the quarter-finals.
Where to check official times?
FIFA confirms the final schedule in March 2026 after play-offs.
Conclusion
The 2026 FIFA World Cup promises to be an unforgettable tournament for England, Scotland, and fans across the home nations. With matches spread across three countries, varying climates, and challenging travel schedules, supporters will need careful planning to follow their teams.
