England spherical of 32 opponents and every World Cup knockout sport because it stands
England have qualified for the World Cup round of 32, but who could the Three Lions face in the knockout stages and when will the games take place?
(Image: Andy Stenning/Daily Mirror)
England have now secured a spot in the World Cup round of 32, having guaranteed at least one of the eight third-placed qualification positions. Spain’s victory over Uruguay clinched the Three Lions’ place in the next stage, while simultaneously diminishing Scotland’s already slim hopes of joining them.
This confirmation comes ahead of Thomas Tuchel’s squad taking on Panama in their final group stage match on Saturday evening (10pm UK time). They currently lead Group L with four points, having defeated Croatia and then drawn 0-0 with Ghana.
However, they are not guaranteed to finish first or even second. The final group standings will be determined once both remaining fixtures are completed.
To maintain their top spot, England need to match Ghana’s result and ensure that the Black Stars’ winning margin is no more than two goals greater than theirs against Panama. However, if Croatia win or draw, England simply need to replicate that outcome.
Panama have suffered defeats in both of their opening two matches, albeit by a single goal each time. Excluding England’s initial six-goal spectacle, there have been just two goals scored across the other three matches.
Tuchel’s side will be hoping to rediscover their scoring prowess to eliminate Ghana from contention. However, Panama have demonstrated they won’t be easily beaten.
Their round of 32 opponents, currently Senegal, will also pose a challenge. Winning the group would see them head to Atlanta, while falling to second place would likely pit them against Portugal in Toronto.
They are at least guaranteed a trip to Kansas City, where they are set to face Colombia. England will discover their fate for certain following Saturday’s matches, which will wrap up in the early hours of Sunday morning BST.
Several nations already know their knockout stage opponents. Co-hosts Canada will begin the round of 32 against South Africa in Los Angeles.
Brazil are next up, taking on Japan, while fellow South American outfit Paraguay must tackle Germany. The Netherlands represent another European side through, with Morocco as their adversaries, and the Africa versus Europe theme continues as the Ivory Coast square off against Norway.
Get the latest World Cup news straight to your inbox by _signing up to our Make Football Great Again newsletter now!
France against Sweden currently stands as the only confirmed clash between two teams from the same confederation. Mexico, however, are poised to meet a side they’ll recognise from their Copa America encounters, as they’re set to take on Ecuador.
Belgium are presently scheduled to face Belgium, while co-hosts the United States know Bosnia and Herzegovina await them next. Austria versus Spain could represent another all-European encounter should the former remain second.
Ghana against Portugal is another fixture pencilled in, though neither are certain of playing that tie in Toronto. Australia meet Egypt for a place in the round of 16, while world champions Argentina take on Cape Verde.
CONFIRMED World Cup round of 32 fixtures so far:
South Africa vs Canada – 28 June (8pm BST).
Brazil vs Japan – 29 June (6pm BST) Germany vs Paraguay – 29 June (9.30pm UK time).
Netherlands vs Morocco – 30 June (2am BST).
Ivory Coast vs Norway – 30 June (6pm UK time).
France vs Sweden – 30 June (10pm UK time).
United States vs Bosnia and Herzegovina – 2 July (1am BST).
Australia vs Egypt – 3 July (7pm UK time).
Argentina vs Cape Verde- 3 July (11pm UK time).
The World Cup round of 32 fixtures that could change:
Mexico vs Ecuador – 1 July (2am UK time).
England vs Senegal- 1 July (5pm UK time).
Belgium vs South Korea – 1 July (9pm UK time).
Spain vs Austria – 2 July (8pm UK time).
Portugal vs Ghana – 3 July (12am UK time).
Switzerland vs Iran – 3 July (4am UK time).
Colombia vs Croatia – 4 July (2.30am UK time).
England’s 2026 World Cup kits
England and Nike have launched the new home, away and goalkeeper kits to be worn at this summer’s FIFA World Cup. You can get free delivery on all orders with the code DEAL.
