Thousands of England supporters have converged on Newcastle's Times Square fanzone to watch the Three Lions take on Panama in a crucial World Cup 2026 group stage match. The atmosphere was electric as fans, draped in St George's crosses, gathered to cheer on Gareth Southgate's side in the 10pm kick-off, which is being played in New York.
England's Path to the Last 32
England have already secured their place in the last 32 of the tournament, but the result against Panama will determine whether they top Group L. After a comprehensive 4-2 victory over Croatia in their opening game and a disappointing 0-0 draw with Ghana, the Three Lions are in pole position to finish first in the group. A win would give them what is considered the easiest route through the knockout stages.
The permutations for England's next opponent are complex. If they top the group, they could face any of the following teams: Ecuador (Group E), Senegal (Group I), Austria or Algeria (Group J), or Portugal, DR Congo, or Uzbekistan (Group K). Should England finish second, they would play the second-placed team from Group K, while a third-place finish would pit them against the winners of Group K.
Fan Zone Atmosphere
The Times Square fanzone in Newcastle city centre was packed with supporters, many of whom had been there for hours before kick-off. Despite the drab draw with Ghana, fans remained optimistic. One supporter, Mark Thompson, said: "We're confident. The Croatia win showed what we can do, and we know the boys will step up tonight."
The fanzone, which has been a hub for England fans throughout the tournament, featured live music, food stalls, and giant screens. Organizers reported that capacity was reached early, with thousands more watching from nearby bars and pubs.
Key Match Details
The match kicked off at 10pm BST, with the final of the World Cup also set to be held in New York. England's performance against Panama was seen as a test of their ability to handle pressure, with the team needing a win to avoid a potentially tougher knockout draw.
Photographs captured the excitement and tension among fans, from families to groups of friends, all united in their support for the Three Lions. The fanzone provided a safe and festive environment for supporters to enjoy the game together.
