Why Second Place in Group L May be Better at 2026 World Cup

It’s not often advised that a country heads into the World Cup aiming to do anything other than its best, but there’s a reason why finishing second in Group L might actually be better for England. The Three Lions were drawn alongside Panama, Ghana, and familiar rivals Croatia during Friday night’s group-stage draw.

Thomas Tuchel’s side travel to the USA, Mexico, and Canada as one of the most in-form nations, which has rightly placed them among the favourites for glory after losing successive European Championship finals prior to their new manager’s appointment. A perfect qualifying campaign saw them become the first European nation to win all eight games without conceding a goal.

Naturally, excitement levels in a country of hopefuls – who have long believed football will come home, yet have now reached 60 years since it last happened – have been dialled up to the max. But in an international tournament, almost nothing comes easy, and finishing second might actually give them an advantage going forward.

England’s Potential Gauntlet If They Top Group L

Topping their group – which they are expected to do with relative ease – would set up a last-32 game against a third-placed side, likely one of Ivory Coast, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Algeria, or Uzbekistan. But things would quickly get tough from there, as co-hosts Mexico would likely await in the last 16, with England facing the fervour of the Azteca Stadium, according to The Sun.

In the heart of Mexico City, it was precisely at this venue that their hopes were famously crushed by Diego Maradona and Argentina in 1986, which brought about both the infamous ‘Hand of God’ goal, as well as the ‘Goal of the Century.’

Surviving that could lead to a quarter-final showdown with Brazil – whom England have never beaten in a competitive game – in the heat and humidity of Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium. They would then need to overcome Argentina in Atlanta in the semi-finals to earn a shot at World Cup glory, a title defence that again hinges on the superhuman abilities of Lionel Messi. See the likely path if England top their group:

Finishing Second Would Ease Their Path to the Final

Coming second could offer a significant climate advantage for Tuchel’s well-drilled side. It might also mirror the fortune that befell Gareth Southgate’s team on their run to the last four in 2018, potentially seeing them face both Sweden and Colombia along the way – though it must be acknowledged that matches beyond those could prove far tougher.

If England finished second, they would face a last-32 tie against the runners-up of Portugal’s Group L, likely Colombia, in Toronto – the coolest of the East Coast stadiums. From there, they would be on course to take on Euro 2024 final conquerors Spain at the air-conditioned AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys. Surviving that would set up a quarter-final, probably against Belgium or Sweden, again indoors, this time at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. Watch the explanation below:

If they make it that far, a semi-final against France would await under the roof in Dallas, before heading to MetLife Stadium just outside New York for the July 19 final – likely against Argentina, whom they would have faced sooner had they finished top of the group. England’s potential path if they finish second in their group: