Who could England face en route to a first World Cup title since ‘66? We’ve mapped out their avenues to glory, whether the Three Lions win their group or not.
England 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 match odds.
Who do England play in the group phase?
England have a relatively straightforward group to navigate, as they bid to plot a route to the final. That said, they still need to overcome the challenges presented by Croatia, Ghana, and Panama. They’re unsurprisingly the favourite the top the group, with Croatia expected to pose the biggest threat.
England’s route to the final should they win their group
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 of 32
July 1st vs Third-Place Group E/H/I/J/K
If England can dispatch group L, and top the table ahead of Croatia, Ghana, and Panama, they’ll face one of the best placed sides from groups E, H, I, J, or K. While this opens the round to a potential 20 teams, the likelihood is that Germany, Belgium, France, Argentina, and Portugal will match England’s achievement in topping their respective groups.
According to the latest odds, England’s most likely foe at the round of 32 stage will be one of Ivory Coast, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, or Algeria.
Round of 16
July 5th 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.
However, should the third-placed team prove too much for the World Cup hosts, we could be presented with a showdown between England and Scotland for a place in the final eight. Alternative options include Ivory Coast, Saudi Arabia, or Senegal.
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. Other potential adversaries include the second-place sides from groups E, F, and I – expected to be Ecuador, Japan, and Norway, respectively.
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. 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.
If the current holders don’t make it through to the final four, though, England could instead come up against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal.
World Cup final
July 19th vs Spain
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 go one better than they did in the most recent Euros, and beat a Spain side buoyed by their 2024 success and hoping to match the feat of the 2008 – 2012 team who won back-to-back tournaments.
If not Spain, England could come up against the likes of Germany, France, or Belgium instead.
England’s route to the final should they not win their group
Of course, nothing’s ever guaranteed in football, so it’s useful to also consider England’s potential opponents on their route to the final, in the unlikely event they don’t win their group.
Round of 32
July 2nd vs Colombia
If England don’t manage to top group L – instead finishing second – rather than a third-placed side in the round of 32, they’ll be matched against the runner up of group K – expected to be Colombia. The most recent meeting between the sides came in the 2018 World Cup round of 16, in which the Three Lions eventually triumphed at the penalty shoot out stage.
Should England finish third in group L, they’ll play the winner of group K – which could mean an early tournament clash with Portugal.
Round of 16
July 6th vs Spain
In the event England place second in group L, rather than a World Cup final showdown, they’ll likely be drawn against Spain at the round of 16 stage. If England progress as one of the best third-place sides, they’ll likely come against the winner of group B – expected to be one of Canada or Switzerland.
Quarter final
July 10th vs Belgium
At the quarter final, England’s most likely opponent is Belgium – who are likely to have bettered the USA in the round of 16. Of course, there’s every chance home advantage will play its part, and carry the United States to a final eight scenario.
If England hit this point after a third-place finish in the group, they’ll perhaps play Argentina in a quarter final clash for the ages.
Semi final
July 14th vs France
If the stars align, a clash with France could await England in the semi final, should they place second in their group. Les Bleus will have to beat Germany in the quarters, though. Of course, there’s no easy game at this stage of the World Cup, and either would be a tough semi final fixture for England.
In the event that England finish third in group L, they can expect to face one of Brazil or the winner of group L in this game.
World Cup final
July 19th vs Argentina
If England manage to overcome the disappointment of finishing second in their group and pass through each obstacle on the way to the final, expect them to face last time out’s eventual winners Argentina. If they finish third, it’ll likely be the same story!
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