Why finishing second in 2026 FIFA World Cup group could be great for England fans at home - knockout round kick-off times explained
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2024/09/16/image-4414b260-c386-47c6-af98-0a2675a5a091-68-310-310.jpeg)
Published 02/04/2026 at 12:48 GMT+1
React to this story
Why should England fans based in the UK for the 2026 FIFA World Cup want The Three Lions to finish second in their group? Apart from avoiding a potentially difficult last-16 test against Mexico in their own backyard, the kick-off times are not so kind to those watching on from home if Thomas Tuchel's side end up top of Group L. England face Croatia, Ghana and Panama in their World Cup group.
Tuchel insists Kane is irreplaceable after shock England loss to Japan
Video credit: SNTV
England fans watching the 2026 FIFA World Cup from the UK may have a vastly different experience depending on which position Thomas Tuchel's team finish in Group L.
With all 48 qualified nations now decided, the official FIFA World Cup match schedule has been released, offering Three Lions supporters a glimpse into what could be a glorious summer.
And while fans may be eagerly expecting England to finish top of their group, which includes Croatia, Ghana and Panama, they might change their mind when they see the potential knockout round kick-off times.
Mercifully for those watching on from the east side of the Atlantic, England's group stage appointments arrive no later than 22:00 BST.
The Three Lions' tournament gets underway in Arlington, Texas with a tough test against Croatia kicking off at 21:00 BST on Wednesday, June 17.
A trip north-east to Boston and then Philadelphia follows, as England take on Ghana at the same time (21:00 BST) on Tuesday, June 23, before a final group game against Panama at 22:00 BST on Saturday, June 27.
When will England play if they finish top of the group?
Here is where things get interesting.
Should England finish first in Group L, their first assignment would see them play a third-place team in Atlanta on Wednesday, July 1 with an early kick-off time at 17:00 BST.
And if Tuchel's side make it through to the round of 16, Mexico City awaits on the evening of Sunday, July 5 - the seven-hour time difference meaning UK-based fans would have to stay up late and catch the kick-off at 01:00 in the morning on Monday, July 6.
What's worse, there is a high likelihood that England could face hosts Mexico in their own backyard in the last 16, if Javier Aguirre's side also finish top of their group and successfully navigate the last 32.
But if England can get past that stern examination, at least their potential quarter-final in Miami on Saturday, July 11 would be broadcast at a much more manageable 22:00 BST.
From there, both semi-finals kick off at 20:00 BST, with Wednesday, July 15 a would-be date of destiny if England finish top of their group.
- Best teams to miss out on World Cup qualification after Italy shock
- Scoring goals? Keeping the goals out? - Biggest questions for Europe's World Cup favourites
When will England play if they finish second in their group?
A runners-up spot in Group L would see England on the other side of the knockout draw, with the second-placed side in Group K - one of Portugal, Colombia, DR Congo or Uzbekistan - set to be their last-32 opponent.
Toronto's BMO Field would be the venue, a relatively short trip from England's final group stage match in Philadelphia, with an inconvenient kick-off time of midnight BST on the evening of Thursday, July 2.
From there, though, England fans could expect an ideal kick-off time of 20:00 BST from the last 16 all the way to the final at the MetLife Stadium in New York on Sunday, July 19.
Should England finish second and progress from the last 32, their last 16 clash in Arlington, Texas would be held at 20:00 BST on Monday, July 6.
A quarter-final in Los Angeles would come next, again kicking off at 20:00 BST, on Friday, July 10, before a potential semi-final in Arlington at 20:00 BST on Tuesday, July 14.
| KNOCKOUT ROUND | FINISHING FIRST (DATE & KICK-OFF TIME IN BST) | FINISHING SECOND (DATE & KICK-OFF TIME IN BST) |
| Last 32 | Wed, July 1 at 17:00 | Thur, July 2 at 00:00 |
| Last 16 | Mon, July 6 at 01:00 | Mon, July 6 at 20:00 |
| Quarter-final | Sat, July 11 at 22:00 | Fri, July 10 at 20:00 |
| Semi-final | Wed, July 15 at 20:00 | Tue, July 14 at 20:00 |
Stream the Premier League, men’s and women’s FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League and more live on TNT Sports and HBO Max
Advertisement
Advertisement