Sports
World Cup 2026: England through to last 32 – who could they play next?
England play one of the eight best third-placed teams, but the distribution of the fixtures depends on which groups provide the qualifiers.
After it was confirmed Ghana had qualified as third in group L, it meant England had only two possible opponents – third place in group K or Senegal.
If DR Congo beat Uzbekistan in their final group K match at 00:30 BST on Sunday, England will play the third-placed team in that group.
That is almost certain to be DR Congo, bar a scenario whereby Portugal lose with a goal difference swing of seven between the teams. Then England would play Portugal.
If DR Congo draw or lose then England will play Senegal.
The knockout path is now set for England through to the quarters.
After DR Congo or Senegal, they would play the winners of Mexico or Ecuador in the last 16 in Mexico City on 5 July.
The potential quarter-final would be in Miami in 11 July against Brazil, Japan, Ivory Coast or Norway.
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