England have been drawn in Group L for the 2026 World Cup, facing Croatia, Ghana, and Panama. The expanded 48-team tournament, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, offers opportunities for smaller nations, but Thomas Tuchel's side must navigate a challenging path to end 60 years of hurt.
If England win Group L, they will face a third-placed team from Groups E, H, I, J, or K in the round of 32 on July 1 in Atlanta. Potential opponents include Ecuador, Ivory Coast, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Norway, Algeria, Austria, Colombia, or DR Congo, depending on group outcomes.
A last-16 clash in Mexico City could pit England against Group A winners Mexico, currently ranked 15th in the world, or a third-placed team from Groups C, E, F, H, or I. Mexico, co-hosts, will have home advantage in that match.
In the quarter-finals, England could face Brazil in Miami if the Selecao win Group C and progress past likely runners-up from Groups F and E or I. Brazil are favourites to top Group C ahead of Morocco, Scotland, and Haiti.
Semi-final opponents could include Argentina or Portugal, who might meet in a Kansas City quarter-final, or other group winners like Canada or Switzerland. The final would likely pit England against a top side such as holders Argentina, Euro 2024 winners Spain, or France, though FIFA seeding prevents meetings with Argentina or Spain before the semi-finals and France until the final if all finish top of their groups.
