When Are England Next Playing In The World Cup

Alright, let’s talk about the biggest question hanging over England right now. When are they next playing in the World Cup? Grab a cuppa, because the answer is weirdly complic...

Alright, let’s talk about the biggest question hanging over England right now. When are they next playing in the World Cup? Grab a cuppa, because the answer is weirdly complicated and surprisingly fun.

First, the bad news: the next men’s World Cup isn’t until 2026. That’s a full four years after the last one. I know, it feels like forever, like waiting for Christmas to arrive in July.

But here’s the twist—it’s happening in three countries at once. The USA, Canada, and Mexico are hosting it. So England could play in a blizzard in Edmonton or a heatwave in Houston. Awesome.

The tournament kicks off on June 11, 2026. England’s first match? Likely around June 12 or 13. But we don’t know for sure yet. The draw happens in December 2026, so we’re all in suspense like a thriller movie.

Here’s a quirky fact: the 2026 World Cup has 48 teams instead of 32. That’s bonkers. More teams mean more underdog stories, more chaos, and a higher chance England face someone like Fiji or Tahiti. Imagine the memes.

But wait—what about the women’s team?

Oh, you clever reader. The Lionesses are playing much sooner. Their next World Cup is in 2027, hosted by Brazil. That’s right, samba football in the land of beaches and caipirinhas. England’s women are reigning European champs, so the hype is real.

The exact dates aren’t locked yet, but the tournament usually runs in July and August. So mark your calendar for summer 2027. It’s sooner than you think. And honestly, after the Lionesses’ Euro 2026 win, they’re the team to watch.

Funny detail: the 2027 Women’s World Cup will be the first with 32 teams. That means more countries, more drama, and more chances for England to make history. Could they win back-to-back? Don’t jinx it.

How to buy England 2026 World Cup tickets, schedule, opponents

Why you should care right now

Because the qualifying matches start this year. England men’s team kicks off their 2026 qualifying campaign in March 2026. That’s where the real magic happens—scrappy wins in Poland, goal fests against San Marino, and Harry Kane scoring from the halfway line. Again.

You can watch these qualifiers live. They’re basically mini-World Cups. Plus, you get to see new players emerge. Remember when Jude Bellingham was a nobody? Now he’s a superstar. This is how legends are born.

Also, the England women’s team is playing a friendly tournament called the Arnold Clark Cup in February 2026. That’s a warm-up for the World Cup. Expect screamers, last-minute winners, and Lucy Bronze doing something superhuman.

Let’s talk about the weird stuff

Did you know England’s first World Cup match ever was in 1950? They lost to the USA 1-0. Yes, the team that invented football lost to a bunch of American amateurs. Ouch. But it’s a comforting story—if they can lose to the USA, they can lose to anyone. It takes the pressure off.

Fast forward to 2026: England will likely be one of the top seeds. That means they avoid Brazil, France, and Argentina in the group stage. But they could still draw a tricky team like Uruguay or Japan. Football is chaos, and that’s why we love it.

When are England playing next? World Cup 2026 group stage fixtures in

Another funny bit: the 2026 World Cup has a new format. There are 16 groups of three teams each. Only the top two advance. That means every game matters. No more coasting through. One bad match, and you’re packing your bags. Yikes.

How to survive the wait

Don’t just sit there. Follow the qualifiers. Watch England’s Nations League matches (next one is in October 2026). Root for the Lionesses in their friendly games. And for god’s sake, learn the anthem for Canada (the Canadian one is called “O Canada,” it’s actually a banger).

Also, start a World Cup-themed party playlist. Include “Three Lions” (obviously), “Vindaloo,” and that random song by Fat Les. Sing it loudly. Neighbors will judge you, but you’ll be prepared.

And here’s a secret: you can visit the host cities before the tournament. Toronto has the best food. Mexico City has the best stadium atmosphere. The US has… a lot of parking lots. Just kidding. But plan a trip. It’s cheaper now than in 2026.

The bottom line

England’s next men’s World Cup game is in June 2026. The women’s is in July 2027. Both are going to be legendary. Both will involve heartbreak, joy, and at least one penalty shootout. That’s the England way.

So, when are they next playing? Sooner than you think. The countdown starts now. Grab a flag, practice your “It’s Coming Home” chant, and prepare for the glorious, ridiculous ride. See you at the pub.