WORLD CUP 2026
England's Potential Path to the Final
Introduction
The new World Cup format means we can trace England’s potential path from the group stage all the way to the final. Of course, it depends on results — but here is the most likely route if England win Group L.
Group Stage
England vs Croatia (17 June), England vs Ghana (23 June), Panama vs England (27 June). Win the group and England advance to the Round of 32.
Round of 32 (1-3 July)
As Group L winners, England would likely face the runner-up from Group K (expected to be Colombia or Uzbekistan). This should be a winnable game for England.
Round of 16 (5-9 July)
England would likely face a team from another part of the bracket — potentially teams from Groups G, H, I or J. If Spain win Group H as expected, the bracket is designed so England and Spain cannot meet until the semi-finals.
Quarter-Finals (11-12 July)
At this point, eight teams remain. England could face a South American or African team depending on how the bracket has played out. Quarter-finals are where tournaments are truly won or lost.
Semi-Finals (15 July)
Four teams remain. This is where England could face France or Spain. At Euro 2024, England lost to Spain in the final. Tuchel will have been thinking about this fixture since the day he was appointed.
The Final (19 July — MetLife Stadium, New York/New Jersey)
The greatest stage in football. England’s last — and only — World Cup final was in 1966 at Wembley, when they beat West Germany 4-2 with Geoff Hurst’s famous hat-trick. Sixty years of hurt. The hope, finally, is that this is England’s year.
Players to Watch
Beyond England, here are the individual players who could define this tournament:
Kylian Mbappe (France) — pace, power and finishing that is unlike anything else in the world
Lamine Yamal (Spain) — a teenager who plays like a veteran; Spain’s most creative player
Lionel Messi (Argentina) — possibly his last World Cup; a living legend chasing one final honour
Erling Haaland (Norway) — the machine who scores goals at a terrifying rate
Vinicius Jr (Brazil) — electric pace and skill; one of the world’s best
Bukayo Saka (England) — direct, brave and important in every game he plays
Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) — age 41 and still here; defying everything