England's World Cup knockout route: Potential opponents revealed

England take on Panama in New Jersey on Saturday night, aiming to finish top of Group L and secure a favourable path in the World Cup knockout stages. Thomas Tuchel's side have already qualified for the round of 32 after Uruguay's defeat to Spain ensured the Three Lions will finish among the top eight third-placed teams.

Group L Standings and Path to Top Spot

England began their campaign with a convincing 4-2 win over Croatia, but were held to a goalless draw by Ghana in their second match. They now need a victory against Panama—whom they thrashed 6-1 in their only previous World Cup meeting in 2018—to guarantee first place in the group. Alternatively, England can top the group if they at least match Ghana's result against Croatia.

Topping Group L would send England to Atlanta on Wednesday for a last-32 tie against one of the tournament's third-placed qualifiers. As things stand, the most likely opponent is Senegal, though DR Congo could also emerge depending on results.

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Possible Round of 32 Opponents

If DR Congo beat Uzbekistan, they will almost certainly face England—unless Portugal lose to Colombia with a goal difference swing of seven, which would instead pit England against Cristiano Ronaldo's side. If DR Congo draw or lose, Senegal is the probable opponent, though two other scenarios exist: if Ghana beat Croatia and Group L does not provide a best third-placed team, and the third-placed team in Group J qualifies, England would play the third-place finisher from Group J—either Austria or Algeria. A draw between Austria and Algeria would see England face Algeria; otherwise, they would play Senegal.

Should England finish second in Group L, they would face the second-placed team in Group K, currently Portugal. A defeat to Panama could drop them to third, setting up a clash with the winners of Group K, also Portugal at present.