England’s possible routes to the World Cup final with dates and kick-off times
England will be looking to win the World Cup for the first time since 1966 with preparations well underway for their group stage opener against Croatia on June 17.
Thomas Tuchel’s men have further Group L games against Ghana and Panama on the horizon in what, on paper at least, seems a favourable draw.
But should England progress as group winners, as expected, their potential run through the knockout stages is anything but straightforward.
England topping the group could see them facing the daunting prospect of playing Mexico, in Mexico City, in their second knockout match, before turning their attention to a possible mouthwatering quarter-final with Brazil.
All the World Cup action
Get everything you need to know about the World Cup – England updates, the games to watch and stories you missed – in five minutes, at 1pm, every day. Sign up here.
Whilst plotting a team’s course through the knockout rounds of a major tournament is unpredictable by its very nature, such an undertaking can give a sense of the quality of opponents England will need to overcome if they are to contest the final at the MetLife Stadium on July 19.
Round of 32
As group winners: England would enter the bottom half of the draw in the event they win their group. One of the third-placed sides from Groups E, H, I, J or K would await in Atlanta on July 1 (5pm), with Ecuador, Senegal, Saudi Arabia, Algeria and DR Congo all possible opponents.
As group runner-up: The Three Lions would enter the top half of the draw with a second-placed finish. A trip to Toronto – their only Canadian game of the tournament in this eventuality – would be on the cards, where they would play the runner-up of Group K. That would potentially be Colombia on July 2 (12am).
As third-placed team: England would remain in the bottom half if they slip to third in the group. A date with the Group K winner, most likely Portugal, would be set for July 4 (2.30am) in Kansas City.
Round of 16
As group winners: This is where it starts to get tricky. Victory in the Round of 32 would see England head to Mexico City to play at the iconic Estadio Azteca on July 5 (1am), where they could possibly play against Group A winners Mexico, in what would essentially be an away game.
As group runner-up: A repeat of the Euro 2024 final could be played out in Dallas on July 6 (8pm), with potential Group H winners Spain looking the likeliest bet.
As third-placed team: England would pack their bags for Vancouver for a July 7 (9pm) clash with projected Group B winner Switzerland, in what could actually represent the easiest Round of 16 tie for Tuchel and his side.
Quarter-final
As group winners: A showdown with Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil could await on July 11 (10pm) in Miami. This would be a repeat of the 2002 quarter-final, which England infamously lost 2-1 courtesy of a Ronaldinho free-kick.
As group runner-up: Assuming England beat probable Round of 16 opponents Spain, they would be rewarded with an easier-looking quarter-final match against potentially Belgium or the United States. A meeting with the hosts in Los Angeles, on July 10 (8pm), would be a particular spectacle.
As third-placed team: Another South American heavyweight could be lurking in the last eight, in the form of world champions Argentina. Kansas City would play host to the match between the fierce rivals on July 11 (10pm).
Semi-final
As group winners: England would return to Atlanta, the location of their Round of 32 match, for a possible semi-final tussle with Lionel Messi’s Argentina on July 15 (8pm). Alternatively, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal could lie ahead, should the former Real Madrid star help guide his team past Argentina.
As group runner-up: France, in Dallas on July 14 (8pm), are potential opponents in this scenario. Should a date with Les Bleus not materialise, Germany or Netherlands could meet England instead in the final four.
More Trending
- Marquinhos names Arsenal star as ‘the best in the world this season’
- World Cup 2026 sweepstake: Download your free printable pack
- The touching reason Channel 4 is showing the iconic 1966 World Cup Final this weekend
As third-placed team: England’s most likely opponents would be Brazil, scheduled for July 15 (8pm) in Atlanta. This could come off the back of having faced Argentina in the quarter-finals.
Final
As group winners: Spain or France – take your pick – could stand in the way of England winning their second World Cup and ending their 60 years of pain. The final will take place in New York on July 19, with kick-off at 8pm.
As group runner-up: Brazil or Argentina could be waiting for England in the final in this eventuality.
As third-placed team: The scenario is the same as England winning their group – Spain or France could await at the MetLife Stadium.
Arrow
MORE: Fifa will now allow plastic water bottles at World Cup games after anger at ban
Arrow
MORE: Dani Olmo responds to Arsenal transfer link before Spain’s World Cup campaign
Arrow
MORE: World Cup 2026 Group A-D guide: What to expect and players to watch
In The Mixer’s World Cup special
Everything you need to know about the World Cup – England updates, the games to watch and stories you missed – in five minutes, at 1pm, every day.
Article source: https://metro.co.uk/2026/06/06/englands-possible-routes-world-cup-final-2026-dates-kick-off-times-28416999/