England's Knockout Stage Path at the 2026 World Cup and Their Road to the Final

England's Journey Through the 2026 World Cup Knockout Stage

England have secured their place in the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup, remaining unbeaten so far. Under Thomas Tuchel, they topped their group with wins against Croatia and Panama, then advanced by beating DR Congo 2-1 in the Round of 32.

The Three Lions had a tough match against DR Congo, falling behind early before captain Harry Kane scored twice to turn the game around. Now, England prepares to face one of the co-host nations, Mexico, in the last 16.

Group Stage Results

• June 17 - England 4-2 Croatia
• June 23 - England 0-0 Ghana
• June 27 - Panama 0-2 England

Knockout Stage Fixtures

• Round of 32: England 2-1 DR Congo
• Round of 16: England vs Mexico - July 5 (Azteca Stadium, Mexico City, 1am UK time)
• Quarter-finals: England vs Brazil or Norway - July 11 (Miami, 10pm GMT)
• Semi-finals: England vs Argentina or Colombia - July 15 (8pm UK time)
• Final: England vs Spain, France, or Portugal - July 19 (MetLife Stadium, 8pm UK time)

England's path is challenging, grouped with heavyweights such as Brazil, Argentina, Norway, Egypt, and Colombia. Mexico earned their spot by defeating Ecuador 2-0, marking four straight wins as co-hosts.

The quarter-final could bring a clash with five-time champions Brazil, who came from behind to beat Japan 2-1 thanks to a stoppage-time winner from Gabriel Martinelli. Norway, boosted by Erling Haaland's late goal against Ivory Coast, also remain contenders.

The semi-final might pit England against defending champions Argentina or Colombia. Other competitors along this route include Cape Verde, Australia, Egypt, Switzerland, Algeria, and Ghana.

If England reach the final, they will return to MetLife Stadium to face a team from the tournament's upper bracket, featuring France, Spain, Portugal, USA, and Morocco.

England World Cup Squad and Shirt Numbers

• 1 - Jordan Pickford
• 2 - Ezri Konsa
• 3 - Nico O'Reilly
• 4 - Declan Rice
• 5 - John Stones
• 6 - Marc Guehi
• 7 - Bukayo Saka
• 8 - Elliot Anderson
• 9 - Harry Kane
• 10 - Jude Bellingham
• 11 - Marcus Rashford
• 12 - Trevoh Chalobah
• 13 - Dean Henderson
• 14 - Jordan Henderson
• 15 - Dan Burn
• 16 - Kobbie Mainoo
• 17 - Morgan Rogers
• 18 - Anthony Gordon
• 19 - Ollie Watkins
• 20 - Noni Madueke
• 21 - Eberechi Eze
• 22 - Ivan Toney
• 23 - James Trafford
• 24 - Reece James
• 25 - Djed Spence
• 26 - Jarell Quansah

Tuchel on England's Performance

"If everyone got what they like, we get an early goal, another goal, an easy afternoon. You have to deal with each situation that comes. They got a very early goal."

"After the water break, we had four or five opportunities. The penalty situation didn’t go in our favour. We kept knocking, knocking and knocking. The reaction and belief is one of a kind. We found a way to win. Well deserved."

"The energy and team spirit is at the highest level. Everyone understands which part of the tournament we are in at the moment. The players who don’t play keep pushing and pushing, they are positive in the water breaks. Everyone is comfortable when they play, everyone is comfortable when they finish the game."

"We want it easy and have the first goal. If you have it and come back from one goal down, these are the experiences that give you genuine belief. They are well aware of what they did and what it took today."

Tuchel’s focus remains clear: victory requires adapting to every challenge on the pitch. England’s resilience has been notable, especially in tight situations.