Host Cities England National Team World Cup 2026: where England plays in the group stage

The World Cup 2026 will be the largest World Cup ever, with 48 countries and matches spread across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. For England, the group stage is now clear: the group, opponents, and host cities are known. In this article, you can read which group England is in, against which countries they are playing, and in which host cities and stadiums the group matches will be held.

Which group is England in at the World Cup 2026?

England is placed in group L of the World Cup 2026.

Which countries does England play against in the group?

In group L, England will face:

• Croatia

• Ghana

• Panama

In which host cities and stadiums does England play?

England will play its three group matches in three different host cities in the United States. Each match takes place in a stadium with its own atmosphere and history.

1. England vs Croatia – Dallas Stadium (Arlington, Texas)

The first group match for England is against Croatia at Dallas Stadium, located in Arlington, Texas. This marks England's kickoff in group L. The stadium is known for its large capacity and modern facilities, which ensures an impressive World Cup opening for England.

2. England vs Ghana – Boston Stadium (Foxborough, Massachusetts)

The second group match sees England play against Ghana at Boston Stadium, close to Foxborough, Massachusetts. This venue provides a different experience compared to Texas and is known for its passion for sports and enthusiastic fans. England and Ghana meet here in a match that could prove crucial for the group standings.

3. England vs Panama – New York New Jersey Stadium (East Rutherford, New Jersey)

The third and final group match for England is against Panama at the New York New Jersey Stadium, located in East Rutherford, New Jersey. This stadium in the New York area offers an iconic World Cup atmosphere and serves as the backdrop for England's final group battle in group L.

What do these host cities mean for fans?

Travel and time zones

The group matches of England will be played in different parts of the United States. Arlington is in the Central Time Zone, while Boston and New York / New Jersey are in the Eastern Time Zone. The difference between these time zones is one hour. For fans in the Netherlands, this means that the matches usually take place in the evening or night Dutch time.

Different stadium experiences

The group stage of England offers much variety. From the grand atmosphere in Dallas, through the sports culture of Boston, to the cosmopolitan experience in New York / New Jersey. For supporters attending multiple matches, this provides a diverse World Cup experience.

Follow England live with Sportspoule

With Sportspoule, you can follow the group stage of England live, wherever you are. The app combines live scores and statistics with football predictions and interaction with friends, making every match extra exciting.

Live Scores and statistics

You receive instant updates once a match starts and follow the live score and progress.

Push notifications and Live Activities

You can set up push notifications for England, so you don’t miss any goal. On iOS, Sportspoule supports Live Activities, allowing you to see the current score on your lock screen.

Create and share football prediction with friends

You can easily create a pool for the World Cup 2026, invite friends, and predict the matches together. After each match, points are automatically calculated and awarded, creating a leaderboard that is continuously updated.

Available on iOS and Android

Sportspoule works on both iOS and Android, so everyone can participate — regardless of the device.

In short

England plays the group stage of World Cup 2026 in group L against Croatia, Ghana, and Panama. The matches will be held in Dallas Stadium (Arlington), Boston Stadium (Foxborough), and New York New Jersey Stadium (East Rutherford). With Sportspoule, you can follow every match live and make the World Cup even more fun by combining live scores with Football Predictor and interaction with friends.