England’s World Cup has begun – but what is their path to potential glory?
The Three Lions have been handed an advantage already by FIFA’s introduction of a Wimbledon-style seeding system, which means they cannot meet Spain or Argentina until the semis or France until the final, should all four countries win their respective groups.
England boss Thomas Tuchel was appointed in the autumn of 2024 with the sole mission of adding a second star to the one on the shirt marking the 1966 World Cup victory.
And now Tuchel can start plotting England’s path to glory at the tournament being co-hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico.
So here is England’s potential path to reaching the 2026 World Cup final on Sunday July 19 at the New York-New Jersey (MetLife) Stadium.
We’ve picked the most likely games England would face based on the FIFA rankings of possible opponents.
If England are group winners…
Group stage
Wednesday June 17: England 4-2 Croatia
Tuesday June 23: England vs Ghana, Boston – kick-off 9pm
Saturday June 27: England vs Panama, New Jersey – kick-off 10pm
Round of 32
Wednesday July 1: England vs Third-placed Group E/H/I/J/K, Atlanta – kick-off 5pm
That could be Ivory Coast, Saudi Arabia, Norway, Algeria or DR Congo.
Round of 16
Monday July 6: England vs Mexico, Mexico City – kick-off 1am
Quarter-finals
Saturday July 11: England vs Brazil, Miami – kick-off 10pm
Semi-finals
Wednesday July 15: England vs Argentina, Atlanta – kick-off 8pm
Final
Sunday July 19: England vs Spain, New Jersey – kick-off 8pm
If England are group runners-up…
Group stage
Wednesday June 17: England vs Croatia, Arlington – kick-off 9pm
Tuesday June 23: England vs Ghana, Boston – kick-off 9pm
Saturday June 27: England vs Panama, New Jersey – kick-off 10pm
Round of 32
Friday July 3: England vs Colombia, Toronto – kick-off 12am
Round of 16
Monday July 6: England vs Spain, Arlington – kick-off 8pm
Quarter-finals
Friday July 10: England vs Belgium, Los Angeles – kick-off 8pm
Semi-finals
Tuesday July 14: England vs France, Arlington – kick-off 8pm
Final
Sunday July 19: England vs Argentina, New Jersey – kick-off 8pm
If England finish third in their group…
Group stage
Wednesday June 17: England vs Croatia, Arlington – kick-off 9pm
Tuesday June 23: England vs Ghana, Boston – kick-off 9pm
Saturday June 27: England vs Panama, New Jersey – kick-off 10pm
Round of 32
Saturday July 4: England vs Portugal, Kansas – kick-off 2.30am
Round of 16
Tuesday July 7: England vs Switzerland, Vancouver – kick-off 9pm
Quarter-finals
Saturday July 12: England vs Argentina, Kansas – kick-off 2am
Semi-finals
Wednesday July 15: England vs Brazil, Atlanta – kick-off 8pm
Final
Sunday July 19: England vs Spain, New Jersey – kick-off 8pm
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