World Cup 2026: Portugal, England, Ghana and DR Congo discover group stage path

The fixture schedule for Groups K and L of the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been confirmed, setting the stage for a series of decisive encounters involving Portugal, England, Ghana, Croatia, Colombia, DR Congo, Uzbekistan and Panama.

With the countdown to the tournament continuing, teams in both groups now know the dates, venues and opponents that will shape their campaigns in the opening phase of the competition.

Group K features Portugal, DR Congo, Uzbekistan and Colombia, while Group L brings together England, Croatia, Ghana and Panama in what promises to be a fiercely contested section.

The group stage schedule will determine which nations progress to the knockout rounds and which teams see their World Cup journeys come to an early end.

Group K opens with Portugal and DR Congo

Group K begins on Wednesday, 17 June, when Portugal face DR Congo at Houston Stadium.

The match is expected to provide the first indication of the balance of power within the group, with both nations aiming to make a positive start to their World Cup campaign.

Later, in the early hours of Thursday, 18 June, Uzbekistan take on Colombia at Mexico City Stadium.

Those opening fixtures will complete the first round of matches and establish the initial standings in the group.

Group K – matchday one

Wednesday, 17 June

• Houston Stadium: Portugal vs DR Congo – 6:00 PM

Thursday, 18 June

• Mexico City Stadium: Uzbekistan vs Colombia – 3:00 AM

The second round of matches follows on 23 and 24 June.

Portugal return to action against Uzbekistan in Houston, while Colombia face DR Congo in Guadalajara.

These fixtures could prove crucial in determining which teams remain in contention for qualification heading into the final round.

Group K – matchday two

Tuesday, 23 June

• Houston Stadium: Portugal vs Uzbekistan – 6:00 PM

Wednesday, 24 June

• Guadalajara Stadium: Colombia vs DR Congo – 3:00 AM

The group concludes on Sunday, 28 June, with both matches kicking off simultaneously.

Colombia meet Portugal in Miami, while DR Congo take on Uzbekistan in Atlanta.

Simultaneous kick-offs are designed to preserve sporting integrity and ensure no team gains an advantage from knowing the outcome of the other fixture.

Group K – matchday three

Sunday, 28 June

• Miami Stadium: Colombia vs Portugal – 12:30 AM
• Atlanta Stadium: DR Congo vs Uzbekistan – 12:30 AM

As the final whistle sounds across both venues, the top teams from the group will discover whether they have done enough to advance.

---

Group L features England, Ghana and Croatia

Group L begins with one of the standout fixtures of the opening round as England face Croatia at Dallas Stadium on 17 June.

The encounter brings together two nations with strong international pedigrees and could play a significant role in shaping the group standings from the outset.

Ghana begin their campaign a few hours later when they face Panama at Toronto Stadium.

The Black Stars will be aiming to collect valuable points before tougher tests later in the group stage.

Group L – matchday one

Wednesday, 17 June

• Dallas Stadium: England vs Croatia – 9:00 PM

Thursday, 18 June

• Toronto Stadium: Ghana vs Panama – 12:00 AM

The second round of fixtures takes place on 23 and 24 June.

England face Ghana in Boston, while Croatia meet Panama in Toronto.

Those matches could have major implications for qualification, particularly if the opening results leave the group tightly balanced.

Group L – matchday two

Tuesday, 23 June

• Boston Stadium: England vs Ghana – 9:00 PM

Wednesday, 24 June

• Toronto Stadium: Croatia vs Panama – 12:00 AM

The final group matches are scheduled for Saturday, 27 June.

England conclude their campaign against Panama in New York, while Croatia face Ghana in Philadelphia.

Both matches will kick off at the same time as teams make one final push for a place in the knockout rounds.

Group L – Matchday Three

Saturday, 27 June

• New York Stadium: Panama vs England – 10:00 PM
• Philadelphia Stadium: Croatia vs Ghana – 10:00 PM

A defining stage of the tournament

The group stage often provides some of the most dramatic moments of a World Cup, with every point carrying enormous importance.

For Portugal, Colombia, England and Croatia, the schedule offers an opportunity to establish themselves early.

For DR Congo, Uzbekistan, Ghana and Panama, the fixtures represent a chance to challenge established opponents and pursue qualification.

Across Houston, Mexico City, Guadalajara, Miami, Dallas, Toronto, Boston, New York, Atlanta and Philadelphia, the opening phase of the tournament will determine which nations remain in the race for football’s biggest prize.

By the end of June, the stories of Groups K and L will have been written, and the successful teams will move one step closer to World Cup glory.