WWE agree deal to show England vs Ghana immediately after SmackDown in World Cup first

WWE have announced that a deal has been reached to show England’s next World Cup match after SmackDown at the O2 Arena.

The wrestling giants have avoided a potential scheduling conflict with UK fans, with their European tour clashing with the Three Lions’ clash against Ghana on June 23.

WWE staged the Money in the Bank PPV at the O2 Arena in 2023WWE

WWE are due to record an episode of SmackDown in London on Tuesday, the same night that England are in World Cup action.

Triple H proved there was no bitterness at the lack of West Ham players in Thomas Tuchel’s squad by moving up the blue brand’s start time to avoid an overlap, and his team now gone a step further.

WWE have struck a deal with FIFA to screen England against Ghana in what is a first for live football viewing inside the O2 Arena.

WWE to show England’s World Cup clash inside the O2 Arena

A statement read: “WWE SmackDown attendees will get an added bonus following the conclusion of the event on Tuesday, June 23, at O2 Arena in London, when they will be able to remain in the arena for an Official FIFA World Cup ’26 Viewing, brought to you by Budweiser, which will be a live screening of England vs Ghana.

“Doors open for SmackDown at 4:30 PM BST, and the live football viewing, starting shortly before 9pm, will allow fans to watch the full game live from their seat, on WWE screens at The O2.”

WWE have left behind their usual headquarters in the USA, ironically one of the World Cup co-hosts, to embark on their European tour.

The TKO-owned brand have a double-billing at the O2 Arena next week, with RAW being held on the Monday before SmackDown.

The latter show won’t be aired on Netflix live, and will instead be a taped episode that will be screened during its usual Friday time slot.

On Wednesday, WWE will hold a live event at the Utilita Arena in Sheffield – having also had dates in Italy, Portugal and Spain.

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England blew away Croatia with a superb second-half displayGetty

England, meanwhile, will hope to follow up their convincing 4-2 win over Croatia against Ghana to take full command of Group L.

Another victory for the Three Lions would see them move to six points with a game to spare and all but guarantee top spot.

That is because England’s head-to-head would be superior to both Croatia and Ghana should Tuchel’s side slip up against Panama.

Ahead of matchday two, Marcus Rashford has allayed fears of a hamstring injury as he trained with the bulk of the group.

This came amid reports that the winger complained of a tight hamstring following his goal off the bench against Croatia.

He then sat out an England side who beat Sporting Kansas City 5-1 in a behind-closed-doors friendly on Thursday but is back in training.