When do England play next? Nations League fixtures after the World Cup
It will be England’s first appearance since finishing third at the 2026 World Cup and the opening match of their UEFA Nations League campaign. Thomas Tuchel’s side will play four matches in just 11 days, facing Spain, Czechia and Croatia during an unusually long international window.
When is England’s next match?
Spain lifted their second World Cup after beating Argentina 1-0 following extra time in the 2026 final. That makes the Wembley meeting an immediate test of how England respond after their own encouraging tournament in North America.
The match will also be the first of six Nations League group fixtures taking place between September and November.
England Nations League fixtures 2026
England have been drawn alongside Spain, Croatia and Czechia in League A, Group 3. They will face each opponent once at home and once away.
Here is the complete England Nations League fixture list:
Why are England playing four matches in one international window?
It means England will play Spain, Czechia, Croatia and Czechia again within 11 days. A normal international break usually contains two matches, so the schedule will place additional pressure on Tuchel’s squad.
England’s players will have little recovery time between fixtures:
- Spain at Wembley on 26 September.
- Czechia away three days later.
- Croatia away on 3 October.
- Czechia at Wembley on 6 October.
Squad depth is likely to be important. Tuchel may have to rotate his starting XI, particularly after players return to their clubs following a long World Cup summer and the opening weeks of the domestic season.
The final two group games will be played in November, when England host Croatia before travelling to face Spain.
Who are England facing in the Nations League?
Spain
Spain are the strongest side in the group and England’s first opponent after the World Cup.
They arrive as world champions after defeating Argentina in the final and conceding only one goal across the tournament. The match at Wembley should provide an early indication of whether England can build on their third-place finish.
England will then visit Spain for their final group fixture on 15 November. The venue for that match has yet to be announced.
Czechia
England face Czechia twice during the opening international window.
The first meeting will take place at the Fortuna Arena on Tuesday 29 September, only three days after the Spain match. Czechia then travel to Wembley on Tuesday 6 October.
These two fixtures could prove decisive. While Spain and Croatia may attract more attention, taking points from both Czechia matches will be essential if England want to reach the quarter-finals.
Croatia
Croatia and England have developed a familiar rivalry in major tournaments and the Nations League.
The teams met during the group stage of the 2026 World Cup, when England won 4-2. They will meet again in Rijeka on 3 October, although no supporters will be allowed into the stadium because the game must be played behind closed doors.
Croatia will then visit Wembley on Thursday 12 November for England’s final home fixture of the group stage.
How does the Nations League group work?
Each country plays six group matches, facing the other three teams at home and away.
The four quarter-final winners qualify for the Nations League Finals in June 2027, where the semi-finals, third-place play-off and final will be decided.
What happened in England’s last match?
England’s most recent match was a remarkable 6-4 victory over France in the World Cup third-place play-off on 18 July.
Bukayo Saka scored a hat-trick, while Declan Rice, Ezri Konsa and Jude Bellingham were also on target. The victory secured England’s best finish at a men’s World Cup since winning the competition in 1966.
It also allowed Tuchel’s team to end the tournament positively after losing 2-1 to Argentina in the semi-final.
When is England’s next home match?
They will return to Wembley ten days later to play Czechia on 6 October. England’s third and final home fixture in the Nations League group will be against Croatia on 12 November.
What should England supporters watch for?
The Nations League arrives quickly after England’s best World Cup performance in 60 years. Several storylines will shape the autumn fixtures:
- How Tuchel manages four matches in 11 days.
- Whether England can maintain their attacking form after scoring six against France.
- How the side compares with world champions Spain.
- Which younger players retain their places after impressing at the World Cup.
- Whether England can finish in the top two and reach the quarter-finals.
There may also be opportunities for new players if injuries, fatigue or club form affect those who travelled to North America.
VisitEngland’s next match at a glance
It begins a demanding run of four Nations League matches in 11 days. England will then travel to face Czechia and Croatia before returning to Wembley for their second meeting with Czechia.
The group stage concludes in November with fixtures against Croatia and Spain. This page will be updated after every match with England’s next fixture, kick-off time, venue and latest Nations League position.
