England are now officially through to the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after Spain recorded a 1-0 win over Uruguay in Group H.
The Three Lions did not even need to wait for the outcome of their final Group L clash against Panama to book a spot in the Round of 32 – although the result will determine who Thomas Tuchel faces in the first round of the knockout phase.
You can see England‘s potential opponents below, with DR Congo currently the likeliest nation set to face the 1966 World Cup winners.
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England likely to play DR Congo if Panama defeat is avoided
If England match or better Ghana’s result against Croatia, the Three Lions will win Group L.
That sets up a Round of 32 clash against DR Congo – so long as the African side defeat Uzbekistan in their final group K match.
That feels likely, considering DR Congo held Portugal to a 1-1 draw, before Portugal then thrashed Uzbekistan 5-0.
However, If DR Congo draw or lose against Uzbekistan, England will play Senegal – unless Croatia lose to Ghana.
There is also the prospect of England – who hammered Croatia in the opening match – possibly facing the nation who finish third in Group J, which will be either Austria and Algeria, who play each other in their final game.
This will happen if DR Congo draw or lose to Uzbekistan and Croatia lose to Ghana, meaning Group J gets a position in the knockout stage.
If England were to finish second in Group L, the Three Lions will play the nation who finish second in Group K – which is currently Portugal.
So, Tuchel – who was furious with Djed Spence against Ghana – could have to prepare for clashes against any one of DR Congo, Senegal, Algeria, Austria or Portugal, although a meeting with DR Congo seems most likely to happen at the time of writing.
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