Key facts
- England won their opening FIFA World Cup 2026 match on June 18
- 2026 World Cup co-hosted by USA, Canada and Mexico
- First World Cup with expanded 48-team format
- England among tournament favourites
ESPN India reports that England made a winning start to their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign on June 18, recording a victory in their opening group-stage match. The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, is the first edition to feature an expanded 48-team format, making it the largest World Cup in history.
England, one of the tournament favourites, entered the competition with high expectations after strong recent performances in international football. A winning start gives them early momentum and an advantage in the race to qualify from their group for the knockout rounds.
For Indian fans, the FIFA World Cup has become a major televised event, with viewership growing significantly in recent editions. England are among the most followed international teams in India, and their progress through the tournament will be closely tracked by football fans across the country.