Who could England face in last 32 after qualifying for next round?

Published27 June 2026

England secured top spot in Group L and a World Cup last 32 tie against a third-placed team with a 2-0 win over Panama on Saturday.

Goals from Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane ensured the Three Lions finished on seven points, ahead of Croatia in second on six.

Croatia secured the second automatic place with a 2-1 win over Ghana and they will play the winners of Group K.

Thomas Tuchel's men now face a wait to discover who they will play in the first knockout round on Wednesday at 17:00 BST.

England made a winning start to the tournament by beating Croatia 4-2, before being held to a goalless draw by Ghana on Tuesday.

Who had the X-factor and who had a tough game? England player ratings

• Published27 June

Who had the X-factor and who had a tough game? England player ratings

Published27 June

Who can England play in the last 32?

England play one of the eight best third-placed teams, but the distribution of the fixtures depends on which groups provide the qualifiers.

After it was confirmed Ghana had qualified as third in Group L, it meant England had only two possible opponents - third place in group K or Senegal.

If DR Congo beat Uzbekistan in their final Group K match at 00:30 BST on Sunday, England will play the third-placed team in that group.

That is almost certain to be DR Congo, bar a scenario whereby Portugal lose with a goal difference swing of seven between the teams. Then England would play Portugal.

There is also a very unlikely scenario whereby Uzbekistan win by seven goals and take 3K, and play England.

If DR Congo draw or lose then England will play Senegal.

The knockout path is now set for England through to the quarters.

After DR Congo or Senegal, they would play the winners of Mexico or Ecuador in the last 16 in Mexico City on 5 July.

The potential quarter-final would be in Miami in 11 July against Brazil, Japan, Ivory Coast or Norway.

Related topics

Football

FIFA World Cup 2026

England Men's Football Team

More on this story

Tuchel defends full-back selection after James injury

• Published27 June

Tuchel defends full-back selection after James injury

Published27 June

World Cup fixtures and group standings

World Cup fixtures and group standings

How to watch the World Cup on the BBC

• Published6 June

How to watch the World Cup on the BBC

Published6 June

Everything you need to know about the World Cup

• Published1 April

Everything you need to know about the World Cup

Published1 April