Look, I’m not a miracle worker. But here’s the thing: England has a very good squad. We’ve got Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham (who is basically a football wizard), and Harry Kane, who still hasn’t told us the secret to his penalty success. The team reached the final in 2026 (remember that?) and the semi-finals in 2018. They’re genuine contenders.
The 2026 World Cup is a 48-team monstrosity, which means more games, more drama, and more opportunities for England to either break our hearts or make us cry tears of joy. The next game you actually care about—the first match of the 2026 World Cup—will be in June 2026, probably against some team we’ve never heard of (hello, minnows!). And we’ll all pretend to know their star player’s name.
Until then, you’ve got qualifiers to obsess over. They’re like the appetizer before the main course. And trust me, the appetizer can be delicious if you watch it with good snacks and a positive attitude.
World Cup tickets: How to buy FIFA 'last minute' sales phase for England
One Crucial Date to Remember
Circle July 19, 2026 in your calendar. That’s the final. If England win, that will be the greatest day of your life (after maybe your wedding day or the day you got a pet dog). If they don’t? Well, there’s always 2030. And 2034. It’s coming home is a marathon, not a sprint.
But let’s be real: the beauty of supporting England is the journey. The nervous energy before a penalty shootout. The disbelief when a goal goes in. The collective moan when a ref gives a dodgy free-kick. That’s what you’re signing up for.
So, to answer your original question: the next World Cup game is years away, but the next England game that matters could be happening very soon—a qualifier, a friendly, or even a random Nations League match. Check the fixture list, grab your lucky mug, and strap in.
Until then, keep the faith. Keep humming “Sweet Caroline” at odd hours. And remember: the wait makes the victory sweeter. If England win the whole thing in 2026, you’ll look back at this article and smile. And if they don’t? You’ll still have a great excuse to eat a lot of pasties while watching football.
Up the Three Lions! 🦁⚽
