Who could England face en route to a first World Cup title since ‘66? We’ve mapped out their avenues to glory, now the Three Lions have topped their group.
England 10/1 are one of the heavy favourites among this year’s World Cup winner odds, and as the excitement for the 2026 World Cup heats up, many eyes are on their possible World Cup route to the final.
But as they aim to break a run of tournament heartache that’s stretched back since they won the Jules Rimet Trophy in 1966, who are England expected to face in their bid to win the title? In this article, we’ve detailed England’s World Cup route and dates we can expect them to play each round – whether the Three Lions win their group or qualify for the knockouts as a runner-up.
Alternatively, if you’re ready to bet on England’s games, explore the latest World Cup betting odds for all the matches.
England’s odds of progressing through each round
Before we dive into England’s route to the World Cup final, let’s take a look at what odds they’re given of reaching each round (at the mimimum).
Round | Odds of reaching the round |
Round of 16 | 1/11 |
Quarter final | 8/11 |
Semi final | 7/4 |
Final | 18/5 |
England’s route to the World Cup final
So, what about life beyond the group stage? Who can we expect England to line up against at the knockout stage on their route to the World Cup final?
Round | Potential opponent |
Round of 32 | DR Congo |
Round of 16 | Mexico |
Quarter final | Brazil |
Semi final | Argentina |
Final | France |
Round of 32
July 1st vs DR Congo
Now England have dispatched group L, all eyes are on the knockouts, and a tie with DR Congo in the round of 32. Though England have struggled at times to break down teams at the tournament, fans will expect the game to be a straightforward one, and the Three Lions to make it through.
Round of 16
July 6th 1am vs Mexico
Should England breeze their way through the round of 32, their most likely opponent in the round of 16 is Mexico. This is because, like England, the winner of group A – expected to be Mexico – will play a third-placed finisher from another group.
Quarter final
July 11th vs Brazil
Next up, we’re at the business end of the tournament. In the quarter final, the quality really ramps up, with England’s most likely opponents set to be five-time winner Brazil. If you want to see how the South Americans get here, discover Brazil’s possible routes to the World Cup final!
Other potential adversaries include Japan and Norway.
Semi final
July 15th vs Argentina
At the semi final stage, should England progress, the Three Lions should expect to face an old rival in Argentina (if you’re curious, discover Argentina’s possible routes to the World Cup final!). Previous encounters between these nations haven’t always been easy on the English, with the likes of Maradona’s infamous ‘Hand of God’ and David Beckham’s heartbreaking red card still fresh in the memories of many. Beating Lionel Messi and co. to reach the World Cup final would be extremely welcome.
World Cup final
July 19th vs France
So, England have topped their group and muscled their way through each knockout round so far. Who are they likely to face in the final, 90 minutes from glory?
Well, if England are going to win the World Cup for the first time in 60 years – and second time ever – they’re likely going to have to face an historic foe in France, who’ll be hoping to win a second World Cup title in three tournaments. Incidentally, if you’re interested in seeing how the Spaniards can get here, discover France’s possible routes to the World Cup final.
If not France, England could come up against the likes of Spain or German instead.
Who did England play in the group phase?
England managed to top group L at the 2026 World Cup, going unbeaten against Croatia (W), Ghana (D), and Panama (W).
