England have qualified for the World Cup round of 32 after Spain's victory over Uruguay guaranteed them at least one of the eight third-placed spots. The Three Lions sit top of Group L on four points, following a win against Croatia and a goalless draw with Ghana. Their final group match against Panama on Saturday will determine whether they finish first or second, which in turn decides their knockout opponent.
England's Path to the Knockout Stage
To retain top spot, England must match Ghana's result while ensuring the Black Stars' winning margin is no more than two goals greater than England's against Panama. Should Croatia win or draw, the Three Lions need to replicate that result. Panama have lost both opening matches by a single goal each, proving to be a stubborn opponent despite their low scoring output.
Thomas Tuchel's side will be eager to rediscover their attacking form after a lackluster draw with Ghana. If England top the group, they will face Senegal in Atlanta; finishing second would pit them against Portugal in Toronto. A third-place finish would send them to Kansas City, where Colombia could await.
Confirmed Round of 32 Fixtures
Several nations have already learned their knockout opponents. Co-hosts Canada will open their campaign against South Africa in Los Angeles. Brazil face Japan, Paraguay take on Germany, and the Netherlands meet Morocco. Other confirmed ties include Ivory Coast vs Norway, France vs Sweden, United States vs Bosnia and Herzegovina, Australia vs Egypt, and Argentina vs Cape Verde.
Fixtures That Could Still Change
Some matchups remain provisional pending final group standings. These include Mexico vs Ecuador, England vs Senegal or Portugal, Belgium vs South Korea, Spain vs Austria, Portugal vs Ghana, Switzerland vs Iran, and Colombia vs Croatia. England's fate will be decided after Saturday's fixtures conclude in the early hours of Sunday BST.
Key Dates and TV Coverage
The round of 32 kicks off on June 28 with South Africa vs Canada. Brazil vs Japan follows on June 29, and Germany vs Paraguay on the same day. The Netherlands vs Morocco starts June 30, with Ivory Coast vs Norway and France vs Sweden later that day. The United States play on July 2, Australia vs Egypt on July 3, and Argentina vs Cape Verde on July 3. All matches are available on Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix, and Disney+ via the Ultimate TV package.
