UEFA · Group L
England at FIFA World Cup 2026
England qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026, the first 48-team edition, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
Group L opponents
England plays the following three teams in the group stage. Top 2 advance to the Round of 32; the 3rd-placed team can still advance via the best-3rd-placed playoff route (8 of 12 third-placed teams qualify).
England fixtures
England in the tournament
England arrives at the 2026 World Cup ranked #4 in the FIFA World Ranking with a tournament strength rating of 90/100. UEFA (Europe) sends 16 teams to the 2026 expanded tournament, the largest single-confederation allocation.
The 48-team format puts England in Group L with Croatia, Ghana, Panama. On FIFA ranking alone, the group averages #30, with England the top-ranked side. Top 2 advance automatically; the best 3rd-placed teams (8 of 12) also qualify for the Round of 32.
England squad for World Cup 2026
Announced May 29, 2026 · 26 players · Head coach: Thomas Tuchel
Thomas Tuchel's first World Cup as England coach -- the first non-English manager to take the team to a major tournament. Harry Kane (Bayern Munich) at his fourth World Cup; Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid) the heartbeat at 22; Declan Rice anchoring midfield. Marcus Rashford's Barcelona move added a continental flair.
Goalkeepers3
- Jordan Pickford(Everton)
- Dean Henderson(Crystal Palace)
- James Trafford(Manchester City)
Defenders9
- Reece James(Chelsea)
- Ezri Konsa(Aston Villa)
- Jarell Quansah(Bayer Leverkusen)
- John Stones(Manchester City)
- Marc Guehi(Manchester City)
- Dan Burn(Newcastle)
- Nico O'Reilly(Manchester City)
- Djed Spence(Tottenham)
- Tino Livramento(Newcastle)
Midfielders7
- Declan Rice(Arsenal)
- Elliot Anderson(Nottingham Forest)
- Kobbie Mainoo(Manchester United)
- Jordan Henderson(Brentford)
- Morgan Rogers(Aston Villa)
- Jude Bellingham(Real Madrid)Generational talent; second World Cup at 22
- Eberechi Eze(Arsenal)
Forwards7
- Harry KaneCaptain(Bayern Munich)Fourth World Cup; England's all-time top scorer
- Ivan Toney(Al Ahli)
- Ollie Watkins(Aston Villa)
- Bukayo Saka(Arsenal)
- Marcus Rashford(Barcelona)
- Anthony Gordon(Newcastle)
- Noni Madueke(Arsenal)
Sources: Sky Sports. Squads may change due to injury or disciplinary action before the tournament.
England analysis
Frequently asked questions about England
When does England play at the FIFA World Cup 2026?
England plays 3 scheduled group-stage matches starting June 17, 2026. The opener is against CRO. See the full fixtures list below for every kickoff time and venue.
What group is England in at the World Cup 2026?
England is in Group L alongside Croatia, Ghana, Panama. The top two from each group advance to the Round of 32, plus the 8 best 3rd-placed teams across all 12 groups.
What is England's FIFA ranking?
England entered the FIFA World Cup 2026 ranked #4 in the FIFA World Ranking. This places them in the top 10 globally. Rankings update through the qualification cycle.
Can England win the World Cup 2026?
England's pre-tournament strength rating is 90/100, derived from FIFA ranking, recent form, and squad depth. They are among the title favourites alongside the other top-strength sides. Try them in the bracket predictor to test your scenario.