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World Cup 2026 schedule unveiled with UK broadcast times
FIFA confirmed match timings for the 2026 tournament on Saturday, giving England prime-time slots while Scotland's fixtures will run into the early hours for British viewers.
England's group stage fixtures
England will play all three Group L matches in the United States, with kick-offs tailored to UK audiences. Their opener against Croatia in Dallas starts at 21:00 BST on 17 June (15:00 local time), followed by a 21:00 BST match against Ghana in Boston on 23 June (16:00 local). The final group game against Panama at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium-where the final will be held-begins at 22:00 BST on 27 June (17:00 local).
Dallas's AT&T Stadium will host England's first match under a closed roof with air conditioning due to expected Texas heat. Both Dallas and Boston venues will use temporary grass pitches, replacing their usual artificial turf.
Scotland's late-night challenges
Scotland's Group C fixtures present a tougher schedule for UK fans. Their opener against Haiti at Boston's Gillette Stadium kicks off at 02:00 BST on 14 June (21:00 local). Subsequent matches against Morocco in Massachusetts (19 June) and Brazil in Miami (24 June) both start at 23:00 BST (18:00 local). Miami's humidity and heat could pose additional challenges during the tournament.
Wales and Northern Ireland's potential path
If Wales or Northern Ireland qualify via UEFA playoffs in March, they will face all three group matches at 20:00 BST. Their schedule includes Canada in Toronto (12 June), Switzerland in Los Angeles (18 June), and Qatar in Seattle (24 June).
Tournament-wide logistics
The expanded 48-team World Cup runs from 11 June to 19 July across 16 cities in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Mexico's opener against South Africa at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City starts at 20:00 BST on 11 June, mirroring their 2010 World Cup debut. The final at MetLife Stadium is set for 20:00 BST on 19 July, with semi-finals in Dallas and Atlanta also at the same time.
FIFA adjusted schedules to avoid dangerous afternoon heat, following research from Queen's University Belfast warning of extreme temperatures at 14 of the 16 venues. The final match schedule will be confirmed in March after UEFA and FIFA playoffs determine the last six qualifiers.
Travel demands for fans
England supporters face one of the most demanding travel itineraries. If the team reaches the final, fans would cover 6,468.5 miles over 19 hours, including flights from Dallas to Boston and a round trip to Mexico City between the last 16 and quarter-finals. Group runners-up would reduce travel to 5,970.4 miles.
Scotland's route could involve 6,083.3 miles (18 hours) if they win their group, or 6,248 miles if they finish second. Portugal and Spain face the longest journeys-6,781.9 miles and 6,667.2 miles, respectively-while France enjoys the shortest at 2,675 miles, including two train trips.
Mexico benefits from three consecutive matches at Estadio Azteca, limiting their travel to 3,199.7 miles. Germany ranks third with 4,141.5 miles.
Extended pub hours proposed
The UK government launched a public consultation on extending pub licensing hours until 01:00 BST next summer if a home nation reaches the quarter-finals.
Key dates and times (BST)
- England: 17 Jun 21:00 (Croatia), 23 Jun 21:00 (Ghana), 27 Jun 22:00 (Panama)
- Scotland: 14 Jun 02:00 (Haiti), 19 Jun 23:00 (Morocco), 24 Jun 23:00 (Brazil)
- Tournament: Opener 11 Jun 20:00 (Mexico vs South Africa), Final 19 Jul 20:00
