• England v Croatia is headline act in Group L

• Colombia, Portugal face debutants Uzbekistan, Congo DR

• See the full FIFA World Cup 2026 match schedule

All the anticipation gives way to the nerves and excitement of opening-day matches in Groups L and K, where England's game with Croatia brings together two heavyweights with undefeated European qualifying records, who also met in the Russia 2018 semi-finals.

The Group L focus switches from Dallas to Toronto when Ghana, impressive in their CAF qualification group, test out their FIFA World Cup 2026™ credentials against a Panama side making just their second appearance in the global showpiece.

Group K will spotlight two more intriguing contests. Congo DR open their first tournament in 52 years in Houston against Portugal – and a true World Cup perennial in Cristiano Ronaldo – while Mexico City will witness the tournament bow of Uzbekistan. The AFC team, led by 2006 World Cup winner Fabio Cannavaro, face highly talented South American opposition in the shape of Colombia.

England v Croatia

Group L

Wednesday, 17 June | 15:00 | Dallas Stadium

Match preview

England: News, interviews and videos

Croatia: News, interviews and videos

Ghana v Panama

Group L

Wednesday, 17 June | 19:00 | Toronto Stadium

Match preview

Ghana: News, interviews and videos

Panama: News, interviews and videos

Portugal v Congo DR

Group K

Wednesday, 17 June | 12:00 | Houston Stadium

Match preview

Portugal: News, interviews and videos

Congo DR: News, interviews and videos

Uzbekistan v Colombia

Group K

Wednesday, 17 June | 20:00 | Mexico City Stadium

Match preview

Uzbekistan: News, interviews and videos

Colombia: News, interviews and videos

• FIFA World Cup 2026 fixtures

• Play FIFA World Cup Fantasy

• FIFA World Cup 2026 Host Cities