England advance at 2026 FIFA World Cup: Last‑16 opponents confirmed and possible run to the final revealed

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England are into the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup after topping their group and coming through a tough last-32 clash against DR Congo. Thomas Tuchel's side looked like they might exit after trailing for the majority of the game against DR Congo, but a Harry Kane brace sealed their progress.

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The Three Lions began their World Cup campaign with a resounding 4-2 victory over Croatia in Dallas, before a lacklustre goalless draw against Ghana in Boston.

That left them with four points, and a goal difference of +2, which was enough to assure progression to the knockout stage ahead of their final group game.

They knew topping Group L would see them benefit from a more favourable route to the final, with a number of European heavyweights, including France and Spain, on the other side of the draw.

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Following their 2-0 win against Panama on Saturday, England set up a last-32 contest against DR Congo in in Atlanta.

England fell behind in the seventh minute, and couldn't find an equaliser until well into the second half. A Kane header restored parity at 1-1 before the Bayern Munich striker produced a stunning finish to win the game for England and set up a last-16 tie against co-hosts Mexico.

As well as Kane, Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford have scored the goals for Tuchel's men.

Who did England face as group winners?

As winners of Group L, England sealed a spot against a third-place finisher.

That opponent was DR Congo, who progressed from Group K with four points. They came from behind in their group finale against Uzbekistan to win 3-1.

Winning Group L puts The Three Lions on the same side of the draw as reigning champions Argentina, whom they could meet in the semi-final.

However, it means they avoided Germany, France, the Netherlands, Spain and Portugal, all of whom are on the other side of the draw.

Who do England face in the last 16?

Things now get juicy for England. Up next are co-hosts Mexico, who topped Group A and beat Ecuador 2-0 in the last 32, at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City on Monday, July 6 (01:00 UK time).

Who could England face in the quarter-finals?

If England reach the quarter-finals, it would not get any easier, as Brazil could be their opponents in Miami on Saturday, July 11 (22:00).

The two sides last met in a competitive fixture at the same stage of the 2002 World Cup, when Brazil won 2-1 after that free-kick from Ronaldinho.

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England’s other potential quarter-final opponents are Norway, after they edged past Cote d'Ivoire thanks to an Erling Haaland winner.

Potential quarter-final fixture: England v Brazil

Who could England face in the semi-finals?

Here we go. Should England make it to the semi-finals in Atlanta on Wednesday, July 15 (20:00), their most likely opponents in the last four are defending champions Argentina.

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Argentina, who won all their group games, face Cabo Verde in the last 32, and are strongly fancied to again go all the way in the tournament.

Lionel Messi, their inspirational captain, has rolled back the years so far, scoring six goals from two starts and one appearance off the bench.

Potential semi-final fixture: England v Argentina

Who could England face in the final?

The World Cup final will be played on Sunday, July 19 in New Jersey (20:00).

If England make it this far, the most daunting opponents they could face from the other side of the draw are Spain and France.

Spain beat England in the Euro 2024 final, while France breezed past Sweden to make the last 16 and have made the last two World Cup finals (winning in 2018 and losing to Argentina in 2022).

Potential final: England v France

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