England FIFA World Cup Tickets: With the FIFA World Cup 2026 fast approaching, England supporters are already counting down the days until the Three Lions return to the biggest stage in world football. Set across the United States, Canada and Mexico, this tournament promises late nights, dramatic moments and unforgettable memories for fans watching from the UK.
With matches spread across time zones and many kicking off in the late evening or early hours of the morning, planning time off work can be just as important as planning match-day snacks. England FIFA World Cup Tickets group-stage fixtures alone offer a compelling reason for supporters to prepare their calendars well in advance.
England begin their World Cup campaign on Wednesday, June 17, with a demanding opening match against Croatia at the iconic AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. This is a venue more commonly associat with NFL spectacles, but it will provide a stunning backdrop for England’s first test of the tournament. The match kicks off at 9 pm UK time, meaning the final whistle is likely to blow close to 11 pm.
FIFA 2026 Tickets: Best Days to Book off Work for England’s Group Stage and Early Knockout Matches in 2026
With emotions running high and post-match analysis inevitable, many fans will find it difficult to switch off quickly. Booking Thursday, June 18, off work would allow supporters to fully absorb the result without worrying about an early start the next morning. England’s second group game takes place on Tuesday, June 23, against Ghana at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
Once again, the match kicks off at 9 pm UK time, making it another late night for fans back home. Gillette Stadium, famed for its electric atmosphere, will host what could be a pivotal fixture in determining England’s group position. Given the importance of the match and the likelihood of extended celebrations or disappointment, taking Wednesday, June 24, off work would be a sensible choice for supporters keen to recover properly.
The final group-stage match sees England face Panama on Saturday, June 27, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, the same venue set to host the World Cup final. This match kicks off slightly later at 10 pm UK time, making it one of the latest group games for England fans. While the advantage here is that most supporters will have Sunday free to rest, the intensity of a decisive group match could still take its toll.
For those who feel they might need extra recovery time, booking Monday, June 29, off work could be a wise move, especially if England’s qualification fate goes down to the wire. From this point on, England vs Ghana Tickets route through the tournament depends heavily on their finishing position in Group L. If they top the group, they will progress to a knockout match in Atlanta, Georgia, scheduled for the early hours of Thursday, July 2, with a 12 am UK kick-off on Wednesday night.
FIFA World Cup Tickets: Best Days to Book off Work for England’s Late-Night Knockout Matches in 2026
Late-night drama is almost guarante at this stage of the competition, and fans watching until nearly 2 am will certainly appreciate having Thursday, July 2, free to recover and relive the highlights. If England were to finish second in the group, their next match would take place in Toronto, Canada, with an even later kick-off time of 1 am UK time on Friday, July 3.
This scenario almost demands a day off, as staying up through the night to watch a World Cup knockout match is not easily balanced with a normal working day. Booking Friday, July 3, off work would allow fans to commit to the occasion without compromise. Assuming England vs Croatia Tickets continues their progress, further matches against their group depend on their group position.
Group winners would face their next challenge on Sunday, July 5, in Mexico City, with an 11 pm UK kick-off. The altitude, the atmosphere and the stakes would combine to make this a dramatic encounter, likely finishing in the early hours of Monday morning. In this case, taking Monday, July 6, off work would be the best option for supporters wanting to avoid a bleary-eyed start to the week.
Soccer World Cup Tickets: When to Book Time off Work to Watch England’s Quarter-Finals, Semi-Finals and Final in 2026
If England reach this stage as group runners-up, they would instead play in Texas on Monday, July 6, with a 10 pm UK kick-off. While slightly earlier, it still makes for a late night, and taking Tuesday, July 7, off work would be recommended for fans who plan to watch every minute and soak in the post-match reaction.
Should England top their group and reach this stage, they would play at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Saturday, July 11, with an 8 pm UK kick-off. This timing allows fans to enjoy the match without sacrificing a working day, as the weekend provides ample recovery time.
Both semi-finals are scheduled for Wednesday, July 15, and once again, timing depends on England’s route through the tournament. Group winners would play in Atlanta with an 8 pm UK kick-off, making Thursday, July 16, a sensible day to book off work. Group runners-up, however, would face a much tougher schedule, with their semi-final in Dallas starting at 1 am UK time.
If England FIFA World Cup manages to reach the final, the nation will come to a standstill. The final is scheduled for Sunday, July 19, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, with an 8 pm UK kick-off. Regardless of the result, Monday, July 20, would likely be a day of celebration or collective reflection across the country. For England fans, booking that Monday off work could be one of the most memorable annual leave decisions they ever make, especially if the Three Lions finally lift the trophy after decades of waiting.
1. When does England start their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign?
England begin their World Cup 2026 journey on Wednesday, June 17, with a challenging opening match against Croatia at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The game kicks off at 9 pm UK time, making it a late night for fans watching from home.
2. Which England group-stage matches are played in the United States?
All of England’s group-stage matches take place in the United States. They face Croatia in Texas, Ghana in Massachusetts at Gillette Stadium, and Panama in New Jersey at MetLife Stadium, giving fans a variety of iconic venues to enjoy throughout the group phase.
3. Why should England fans consider booking time off work during the group stage?
Most of England’s group matches kick off at 9 pm or later UK time, meaning games often finish close to midnight. Taking the following day off allows fans to fully enjoy the matches without worrying about early work commitments or fatigue.
4. What happens if England finish top of Group L?
If England top Group L, their knockout-stage path includes matches in Atlanta, Mexico City, Miami, and potentially the semi-final in Atlanta. Several of these fixtures take place late at night or in the early hours, making strategic time off work highly recommended.
5. How does England’s schedule change if they finish second in the group?
Finishing second in Group L would send England to Toronto for an early-hours knockout match, followed by potential fixtures in Texas, California, and Dallas. These matches often have later kick-off times than the group-winner route, increasing the need for booked leave.
6. Are there England matches that do not require taking time off work?
Yes, some knockout matches fall on weekends or have 8 pm UK kick-offs, such as the quarter-finals in Miami or California. These fixtures allow fans to watch comfortably without using annual leave, provided they do not work weekends.
7. When is the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, and why should fans book time off?
The World Cup final takes place on Sunday, July 19, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, kicking off at 8 pm UK time. Regardless of the outcome, Monday, July 20, is expected to be a significant day for England fans, making it a popular choice for annual leave.
8. Which is a reliable platform for purchasing FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets?
One of the most trusted platforms for purchasing FIFA World Cup 2026 Tickets is worldwideticketsandhospitality.com. The site is well regarded for offering secure bookings, verified tickets, and access to premium seating and hospitality packages for matches across all host countries.
9. Where can fans purchase FIFA World Cup 2026 final tickets?
Fans looking to purchase FIFA World Cup Final Tickets can do so through worldwideticketsandhospitality.com. The platform provides access to high-demand final match tickets, including premium and hospitality options, allowing supporters to experience the biggest game of the tournament with added comfort and reliability.
10. How can fans purchase tickets for England matches at the FIFA World Cup 2026?
Tickets for England’s matches at the FIFA World Cup 2026 can be purchased through worldwideticketsandhospitality.com, which offers availability for group-stage and knockout fixtures involving England. This allows fans to plan their travel and match attendance in advance while securing seats for key Three Lions fixtures.
