England’s path to the 2026 World Cup finals has been revealed following Friday’s draw in Washington DC.
The Wimbledon-like seeding system introduced by FIFA already gives the Three Lions an advantage, meaning that if all four nations win their respective groups, they will not be able to face Spain or Argentina until the semi-finals, and France before the final.
England manager Thomas Tuchel took over in the autumn of 2024 with the sole mandate of adding a second star to England’s kit to commemorate the 1966 World Cup.
Tuchel can now start plotting England’s path to glory in the competition, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, with kick-off times and match locations set to be announced by FIFA at 5pm UK time on Saturday 6 December.
So here are England’s possible paths to reaching the 2026 World Cup finals, to be held at New York/New Jersey (MetLife) Stadium on July 19th.
We’ve selected the opponents England are most likely to face in these matches, based on the highest-ranked opponents possible on their route to the final.
If England win their group…
June 17: England vs. Croatia, Toronto or Arlington
June 23: England vs Ghana, Boston or Toronto
June 27: England vs. Panama, East Rutherford or Philadelphia
round 32
July 1st: England vs Group E/H/I/J/K 3rd place, Atlanta
round 16
July 5: England vs. Mexico, Mexico City
quarterfinals
July 11: England vs. Brazil, Miami Gardens
Semi-final
July 15: England vs. Argentina, Atlanta
final
July 19: England vs. Spain, East Rutherford
If England are group runners-up…
group stage
June 17: England vs. Croatia, Toronto or Arlington
June 23: England vs Ghana, Boston or Toronto
June 27: England vs. Panama, East Rutherford or Philadelphia
round 32
July 2: England vs. Colombia, Toronto
round 16
July 6: England vs. Spain, Arlington
quarterfinals
July 10: England vs. Belgium, Inglewood
Semi-final
July 14: England vs. France, Arlington
final
July 19: England v Argentina, East Rutherford
If England finish third in their group…
If that happens, England could also be hit hard. However, due to the complexity of the third-place qualifying structure, there are too many potential routes to consider at this time that may not be finalized until after the group stage.
