The 2026 World Cup, taking place across the USA, Mexico and Canada, got underway for England this evening with a Group L match against Croatia in Dallas. The tournament has already brought some colour to Abingdon, with a few local businesses displaying England flags in support of the Three Lions.

The Blue Boar has England flags, Union Jacks, and a Brazil Flag. Inside there are a lot more flags.

Sue Ryder has a large England flag inside the shop and World Cup signs in the window. These are mixed with their Fathers Day display. Fathers Day is on Sunday.

Topsport has one window dedicated to England / football and another featuring throwing rings. Inside, all 48 competing nations are represented by their flags.

With England’s World Cup campaign now underway with a convincing  4–2 win over Croatia,  more flags could begin to appear around Abingdon, in addition to those left by  ‘Operation Raise the Colours’.