Key facts
- England win their opening FIFA World Cup 2026 match
- Tournament features 48 teams for first time ever
- Co-hosted by USA, Canada, and Mexico
- Match updates reported live on June 18
ESPN India reports live updates from the FIFA World Cup 2026, with England registering a winning start to their campaign on June 18. The result marks a strong opening for one of the tournament favourites, continuing their momentum from recent international performances under their current setup.
The 2026 edition is a landmark tournament in football history — the first to expand to 48 participating nations, up from the previous 32-team format. The competition is being co-hosted across three North American nations: the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with matches taking place in major cities across all three countries.
For Indian football fans, the World Cup remains the single biggest sporting event on the global calendar, drawing massive viewership. England's early form will be closely tracked by fans who follow the Premier League and European football keenly. The expanded format also means more matches, more upsets, and more teams from Asia and Africa with a realistic shot at deep runs — adding further intrigue for a diverse global audience.