The 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 32 fixtures have been finalized following the conclusion of the group stage on Saturday evening. England secured top spot in Group L with a 2-0 victory over Panama, setting up a clash with DR Congo in Atlanta on July 1.
England's Path and Key Matchups
Harry Kane became England's all-time leading World Cup scorer during the win over Panama at MetLife Stadium. Despite a sluggish start to the tournament, Thomas Tuchel's side advanced after an exciting win over Croatia and a goalless draw with Ghana. The Three Lions will face DR Congo, who came from behind to beat Uzbekistan in their final group match.
Other notable round-of-32 ties include France vs Sweden, Germany vs Paraguay, and Portugal vs Croatia. The winners of France-Sweden and Germany-Paraguay will meet in the last 16. Portugal, runners-up in their group, take on Croatia, with the victor facing either Spain or Austria.
Full Round of 32 Fixtures
- South Africa vs Canada
- Germany vs Paraguay
- Netherlands vs Morocco
- Brazil vs Japan
- France vs Sweden
- Ivory Coast vs Norway
- Mexico vs Ecuador
- England vs DR Congo
- USA vs Bosnia & Herzegovina
- Belgium vs Senegal
- Portugal vs Croatia
- Spain vs Austria
- Switzerland vs Iran
- Argentina vs Cape Verde
- Colombia vs Ghana
- Australia vs Egypt
Tuchel's Reaction
Thomas Tuchel acknowledged the difficulty of the Panama match, stating: "We had a difficult game. Everyone watched this close from the sidelines saw the physicality of the game. We saw a team that didn't allow any chances in their first two matches... We managed to score two and create half chances... There is no problem if these matches feel tight, if these matches feel tough. It will help us in the next match."
The winner of England vs DR Congo will face either Mexico or Ecuador in Mexico City on July 6.
