England's route to 2026 World Cup final: Who could they face in the knockout rounds
Updated 01/07/2026 at 05:26 GMT+1
React to this story
England are into the last 32 of the 2026 World Cup after wins over Croatia and Panama in Group L. Who will Thomas Tuchel's side face in the knockout rounds at the tournament and what is their potential route to the final?
'I always get there' - Ronaldo faces down criticism after record-breaking brace
Video credit: SNTV
The Three Lions are among the favourites to go all the way at the 2026 World Cup, with Spain, France, Brazil, and defending champions Argentina all also tipped for success.
England advanced as Group L winners after starting with an impressive performance to beat 2018 finalists Croatia 4-2.
Their second outing - a drab 0-0 draw with Ghana - cooled expectations that England could go all the way, but they finished with a 2-0 win over Panama to top the group.
Who are England facing next and who could they meet if they win?
We plot out England's possible route to the final through the knockout stages.
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2026/05/15/image-f753d55d-6d84-443e-93d1-8635838fb9c3-85-2560-1440.png)
'Love him!' - Hart reacts to best saves of 2025/26 season
Video credit: TNT Sports
Who will England face in the World Cup last 32?
As winners of Group L, England sealed a spot against a third-place finisher.
That opponent will be 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-finals.
However, it means they avoid France, Spain and Portugal, who are on the other side of the draw.
Who could England face in the last 16?
Things could get juicy for England in the last 16.
Lying in wait if England beat DR Congo will be Group A winners and co-hosts Mexico, who beat Ecuador 2-0 in the last 32.
The game will be played at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, starting at 01:00 UK time on Monday, July 6.
Potential last-16 fixture: England v Mexico
Who could England face in the quarter-finals?
If England reach the quarter-finals, it would not get any easier, as Brazil or Norway would be their opponents in Miami on Saturday, July 11 (22:00).
Brazil reached the last 16 with a 2-1 win over Japan while Norway beat Cote d'Ivoire by the same scoreline.
England last faced Brazil in a competitive fixture at the same stage of the 2002 World Cup, when Brazil won 2-1 after that free-kick from Ronaldinho.
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 either defending champions Argentina.
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2026/06/22/image-0e952d04-34d9-4539-944d-b4668ebdf7a0-85-2560-1440.jpeg)
'A lot of happiness' - Messi reacts after breaking World Cup goalscoring record
Video credit: SNTV
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, which also includes Germany, the Netherlands and co-costs USA, are Spain and France.
Spain beat England in the Euro 2024 final, while France have made the last two World Cup finals (winning in 2018 and losing to Argentina in 2022).
Potential final: England v France
Add TNT Sports as a preferred source here to enjoy more content like this.
Stream the Premier League, men’s and women’s FA Cups, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League and more live on TNT Sports and HBO Max.
Advertisement
Advertisement