England are set to learn who they will face at the 2026 World Cup, but face a longer wait to find out when and where they will be playing.
The eyes of the footballing world will be on Washington D.C. on Friday, December 5, as the group stage draw is made for the now-expanded 48-team tournament.
United States, Canada and Mexico will host 104 matches in 16 cities across five weeks.
The 2026 World Cup group stage runs from June 11 – with Mexico playing the opening game – until June 27.
But hold fire before booking flights and accommodation, as the time, date and location of those fixtures will be confirmed the following day.
When are England’s World Cup 2026 fixture dates and venues confirmed?
In tournaments past, the World Cup draw would see not only opponents confirmed but, at the same time, dates, times and venues.
This inaugural 48-nation format has upped the ante – in more way than one – so those logistics take a little bit longer to organise.
This means FIFA will host a special event on Saturday, December 6, to confirm the full 104-match schedule.
The ceremony is due to begin at 5pm UK time (12pm midday in Washington), and be broadcast across FIFA’s social channels, including their YouTube page.
England will find out who they will face on Friday, and on Saturday they find out when and where.
