England will face Croatia, Ghana and Panama in Group L of the 2026 World Cup, with the expanded 48-team tournament offering a revised knockout path. The Three Lions, under Thomas Tuchel, must navigate a bracket that could see them meet host nation Mexico in the last 16 if they top their group.
Should England win Group L, they will play a third-placed team from Groups E, H, I, J or K in the round of 32 in Atlanta on 1 July. Possible opponents include Ecuador, Ivory Coast, Uruguay, Senegal or Colombia, depending on results. Victory would set up a last-16 clash in Mexico City against either Group A winners (likely Mexico) or a third-placed qualifier.
If England reach the quarter-finals, Brazil are the most probable opponents in Miami, provided the Selecao win Group C. Brazil would then need to beat the Group F runners-up and the winner of the Group E/I runners-up tie. England cannot face Argentina, Spain or France until the semi-finals or final due to FIFA seeding, assuming all finish top of their groups.
In the semi-finals, potential opponents include Argentina or Portugal, who could meet in a Kansas City quarter-final. Alternatively, England might face Canada, Switzerland, USA, Egypt or Uruguay. The final would likely pit England against Spain, France or another top side, as they seek to end 60 years of hurt.
