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England's 2026 World Cup Knockout Path and Chances to Reach the Final

England, led by Thomas Tuchel, has advanced to the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup unbeaten. Their group stage included wins against Croatia and Panama, and a draw with Ghana. In the Round of 32, they narrowly defeated DR Congo 2-1, thanks to a remarkable comeback powered by captain Harry Kane's two goals.

Now, England faces a tougher challenge in the knockout rounds. They are placed in the lower half of the bracket alongside teams such as Brazil, Argentina, Norway, Egypt, and Colombia. The next hurdle is Mexico, who secured their place in the last 16 by beating Ecuador 2-0. This match will take place at Mexico City's Azteca Stadium on July 5 at 1am UK time.

Potential Opponents on England's Road to the Final

Should England progress, their quarter-final opponent could be either five-time champions Brazil or Norway, who defeated Ivory Coast with a late goal from Erling Haaland. That match is scheduled for Miami on July 11 at 10pm GMT.

If they reach the semi-finals, England may face holders Argentina or Colombia on July 15 at 8pm UK time. The path also includes other nations like Cape Verde, Australia, Egypt, Switzerland, Algeria, and Ghana.

In the final on July 19 at 8pm UK time, England would return to MetLife Stadium to possibly confront a team from the tournament’s top bracket, which features France, Spain, Portugal, USA, and Morocco.

England's World Cup Schedule So Far

  • June 17: England 4-2 Croatia
  • June 23: England 0-0 Ghana
  • June 27: Panama 0-2 England
  • Round of 32: England 2-1 DR Congo
  • Round of 16: England vs Mexico - July 5
  • Quarter-finals: England vs Brazil / Norway - July 11
  • Semi-finals: England vs Argentina / Colombia - July 15
  • Final: England vs Spain / France / Portugal - July 19

Current England Squad Numbers

Tuchel’s Take After the DR Congo Match

“If everyone got what they like, we get an early goal, another goal, an easy afternoon. You have to deal with each situation that comes. They got a very early goal.”“After the water break, we had four or five opportunities. The penalty situation didn’t go in our favour. We kept knocking, knocking and knocking. The reaction and belief is one of a kind. We found a way to win. Well deserved.”“Like I said the whole tournament, the energy and team spirit is at the highest level. Everyone understands which part of the tournament we are in at the moment. The players who don’t play keep pushing and pushing, they are positive in the water breaks. Everyone is comfortable when they play, everyone is comfortable when they finish the game.”“We want it easy and have the first goal. If you have it and come back from one goal down, these are the experiences that give you genuine belief. They are well aware of what they did and what it took today.”

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