Who will England play after World Cup group stage? Route to ultimate after thrashing Croatia

Need to know

England’s potential path through the 2026 World Cup knockout stages has been mapped out – from the Round of 32 all the to the final at MetLife Stadium, with some mouthwatering possible clashes

Here’s the lowdown on England’s potential route to the World Cup final:

• What’s the scenario if England top their group after beating Croatia 4-2 in the opening game?
• If England clinch first place in Group L, they’ll face off against one of the best third-placed teams from Groups E, H, I, J, or K in the Round of 32. This match is slated for a 12pm local kick-off (5pm BST) on July 1 in Atlanta and could potentially pit them against Spain, following the Euro 2024 winners’ draw in their opening group game.
• Who might England encounter in the round of 16 as group victors?
• A win in England’s Round of 32 clash would catapult the team into the Round of 16, where they’re likely to meet either the Group A winners or a third-placed side that sprung a surprise in the preceding round. This pivotal fixture is set for July 5 at 6pm local time (1am BST on July 6) in Mexico City and could see them up against hosts Mexico, who are sure to be backed by a raucous home crowd, reports the Mirror.
• What could the quarter-finals hold?
• If England triumph in the Round of 16, they’ll progress to the tournament’s last eight. This high-pressure quarter-final tie will get underway at 5pm local time (10pm BST) in Miami on July 11, with Brazil potentially lying in wait should they top Group C and navigate two knockout rounds.
• Who might England face in the semi-finals?
• Victory in the quarter-finals would see the side head to Georgia for a crucial semi-final encounter at 3pm local time (8pm BST) in Atlanta on July 15. The victors from groups B, J or K could be lying in wait, meaning a potential showdown with defending champions Argentina cannot be ruled out.
• What occurs if England finish second in the group?
• Should England end up as runners-up in Group L, they will enter a different portion of the draw, taking on the runner-up from Group K (Portugal, DR Congo, Uzbekistan or Colombia) in the round of 32. This opening knockout encounter will get underway at 7pm local time (Midnight BST) in Toronto on July 2.
• What other round of 16 clashes are feasible?
• Successfully progressing through the Round of 32 would result in a demanding Round of 16 tie against the winner of Spain’s group (Group H) or the runner-up from Group J on July 6. The squad would contest this fixture at 2pm local time (8pm BST) in Arlington, Texas.
• Who could England meet in the quarter-finals?
• Should England progress as group runners-up and triumph in their Round of 16 battle, they will earn a spot in the quarter-finals—the stage where they were knocked out in 2022. This encounter will commence at 12pm local time (8pm BST) in Los Angeles on July 10, where the winner of Group I could await as their opponents.
• Who will England face in the semi-finals?
• A triumph in the quarter-finals would propel the team into the semi-final round, with France potentially awaiting them after eliminating the Three Lions in 2022. This colossal match is scheduled for 2pm local time (8pm BST) in Arlington on July 14.
• When does the 2026 World Cup final take place?
• Regardless of their position in the tournament bracket, England’s ultimate aim is the World Cup final, set to be held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. This monumental showdown to crown the world champion will commence at 3pm local time (8pm BST) on July 19, potentially offering England an opportunity to secure their first World Cup victory since 1966.