World Cup 2026 knockouts: England’s path to finals explained after topping Group L

Saturday, 11 July – 22:00 BST

Now, here things look more difficult.

Five-time winner Brazil England are in the group for the draw and are potential quarter-final opponents, but Carlo Ancelotti’s men must first overcome Japan in the last 32.

Vinicius Jr and co top Group C – knocking out Scotland in the process – but were unsettled on one occasion, drawing 1-1 with Morocco in their opening match.

JapanMeanwhile, they looked technically and tactically strong as they finished second behind the Netherlands in Group F, and are unbeaten in their last 16 after beating England 1-0 in a friendly at Wembley in March.

The other two potential quarter-final opponents for England are Ivory Coast and Norway, who will face each other in the last 32.

Ivory Coast RB Leipzig have impressive attackers including teenage superstar Yann Diomonde, Inter’s Ange-Yoan Bony and Manchester United winger Amad Diallo. They were second behind Germany in the group stage.

And NorwayWho finished second behind France in Group I, impressed in their first World Cup appearance since 1998.

With Manchester City’s Erling Haaland up front, they will pose a significant threat.

If England reach this stage they will play in Miami.