England’s route to the World Cup 2026 final: Potential opponents, dates and venues

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The draw for World Cup 2026 is set, and England know the potential paths they may take to reach the final at MetLife Stadium on 19 July.

While Croatia, Ghana and Panama await in Group L, the real intrigue is in the knockout stages, where the Three Lions will really be put to the test.

Thomas Tuchel’s side could come up against several tournament favourites depending on where they finish in Group L.

Using the World Cup bracket and FIFA’s latest rankings as a guide, we’ve mapped out England’s projected route to the final.

England as Group L winners

If England top Group L, they will face a third-placed team in Atlanta before a potential last-16 showdown with Mexico in Mexico City.

Brazil are the projected quarter-final opponents, with Argentina or Portugal possible in the semi-finals and Spain or France the likeliest finalists from the opposite side of the draw.

England as Group L runners-up

If Thomas Tuchel’s side finish second in Group L, they will switch to the opposite side of the draw and likely face Colombia in Toronto.

A potential last-16 clash with Spain would follow, before a projected quarter-final against Belgium and a semi-final against France.

Argentina are the likeliest opponent in the final, although Brazil could also emerge from that side of the bracket.

England as Group L’s third-placed team

Should England qualify for the knockout stages as a third-placed team, their path to the final could hardly be tougher.

A projected round-of-32 clash with Portugal would be followed by a last-16 match against Switzerland and a quarter-final meeting with Argentina.

The Three Lions would then face Brazil in the semi-finals, with either Spain or France waiting in the final.

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