World Cup schedule today: How to watch England v Croatia, TV channels & live stream Wednesday 17 June

Harry Kane and Declan Rice will play big roles for England. Photograph: Denny Medley/IMAGN IMAGES/Reuters This World Cup’s expanded format has stretched out the group stage, meaning eight sides have had to wait nearly a week since the start of the tournament to get started, but after today all 48 teams participating in the 2026 World Cup will have played a match. England will start their campaign against Croatia in a rematch of the 2018 World Cup semi-final, while Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal will take on the Democratic Republic of Congo. Uzbekistan are set to make their World Cup debut against Colombia with Ghana up against Panama in a match that could effectively end one team’s chances of making the knockout rounds given the strength of the competition in Group L. Here is your complete guide on how to watch today’s World Cup games, including kick-off times, broadcast networks, and online streaming options. Complete guide to all the players A visual guide to every stadium Standings Golden Boot leaders *** Portugal v Democratic Republic of Congo Time (ET): 1pm Stadium: Houston Stadium How to watch United States: Fox / Telemundo ( Stream on Fubo ) Canada: TSN ( Stream ) United Kingdom: BBC / ITV ( Stream ) Australia: SBS ( Stream ) What to watch for This may be the strongest squad Portugal have ever taken to a World Cup. Roberto Martínez has multiple options in all areas of the pitch and yet some observers question whether Cristiano Ronaldo should still be leading the line at age 41. The former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward isn’t the player he was a few years ago. The DRC haven’t appeared at a World Cup since 1974 when they were known as Zaire. Despite an Ebola crisis back home, the Leopards have the attacking talent to make an impact at the tournament. Their counterattack will make them an exhilarating watch. Player to watch: Vitinha, Portugal – arguably the best central midfielder in the world, the Paris Saint-Germain man will be a big part of Portugal’s gameplan to control and manipulate possession in most matches they play at this World Cup. What to read Portugal team guide Uzbekistan team guide Will Portugal win their first World Cup? Anything is possible with Vitinha and Bruno Fernandes Jordan and Uzbekistan ready to crash World Cup party and take on giants *** England v Croatia Time (ET): 4pm Stadium: Dallas Stadium How to watch United States: Fox / Telemundo ( Stream on Fubo ) Canada: TSN ( Stream ) United Kingdom: BBC / ITV ( Stream ) Australia: SBS ( Stream ) What to watch for Thomas Tuchel’s decision to omit the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Phil Foden and Cole Palmer could backfire if England lack creativity on the ball at this World Cup. Otherwise, the Three Lions boast one of the strongest squads at the tournament, and arguably their strongest-ever squad at a World Cup. Croatia have the muscle memory of making deep runs at major tournaments, and of beating England at World Cups. Luka Modric and Co eliminated Gareth Southgate’s side in Russia in 2018 and still have a core of experienced players accustomed to performing when it matters most. Player to watch: Elliot Anderson, England – while there will be bigger names on display in Dallas, Anderson may be the player who gives England control in the center of the pitch. The Nottingham Forest midfielder could wrestle the game away from Modric. What to read England team guide Croatia team guide Harry Kane’s American dream begins: ‘I’m coming into this in the best way possible’ Luka Modric has been tormenting England for 20 years. Can he do it one more time? *** Ghana v Panama Time (ET): 7pm Stadium: Toronto Stadium How to watch United States: FS1 / Telemundo ( Stream on Fubo ) Canada: TSN ( Stream ) United Kingdom: BBC / ITV ( Stream ) Australia: SBS ( Stream ) What to watch for That Ghana are at this World Cup is somewhat confusing considering the crisis they found themselves in not so long ago. Carlos Queiroz was hired just two months ago to bring some defensive stability to a team that have shipped too many goals in recent times. Whether or not he has had enough time to mould Ghana in his own image remains to be seen. Panama, on the other hand, have developed a lot under Danish manager Thomas Christiansen, who has helped to turn Los Canaleros into a team capable of holding their own technically and physically against most opponents. Panama should be taken seriously. Player to watch: Antoine Semenyo, Ghana – the Manchester City attacker will be Ghana’s primary threat in the final third, although his record of just three goals in 34 international caps is underwhelming for a player of his ability and status. What to read Ghana team guide Panama team guide *** Uzbekistan v Colombia Time (ET): 10pm Stadium: Mexico City Stadium How to watch United States: FS1 / Telemundo ( Stream on Fubo ) Canada: TSN ( Stream ) United Kingdom: BBC / ITV ( Stream ) Australia: SBS ( Stream ) What to watch for Uzbekistan will make their World Cup debut at the Estadio Azteca and their AFC qualification campaign suggests they could be something of a surprise package. Coached by World Cup winner Fabio Cannavaro, the White Wolves kept seven clean sheets in 10 games in the final phase of qualification. Colombia are back at the World Cup after missing the 2022 tournament in Qatar and have good reason to believe they can make a run. In what will be the first-ever meeting between these two nations, competitive or otherwise, a defence v attack encounter will be the expectation. Player to watch: Luis Diaz, Colombia – the Bayern Munich winger scored 26 goals in all competitions at club level last season and will be one of the most electrifying forward players at this World Cup. Diaz is the one player Colombia need in top form. What to read Uzbekistan team guide Colombia team guide