Washington, DC.- England will begin their 2026 World Cup campaign against Croatia, while Scotland face a daunting opener against Brazil after a chaotic draw in Washington, DC.
England’s Group L also includes Panama and Ghana, while Scotland joins Haiti and Morocco in Group C.
The marathon ceremony, helmed by Rio Ferdinand, mixed football drama with spectacle — from speeches by FIFA president Gianni Infantino to a surprise Peace Prize for US President Donald Trump, capped by Robbie Williams and a Village People performance.
England, led by Thomas Tuchel, enters as one of the favourites to lift the trophy in New Jersey on 19 July, alongside Spain, France, Germany, Brazil, and reigning champions Argentina.
Scotland, returning to the World Cup after 28 years, will aim to make their mark against elite opposition.
