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

Saturday, 11 July – 22:00 BST

Now, this is where things being to look more difficult.

Five-time winners Brazil are in England’s section of the draw and are potential quarter-final opponents, but Carlo Ancelotti’s men would first have to overcome Japan in the last 32.

Vinicius Jr. and co topped Group C – knocking out Scotland in the process – but were unconvincing on the one occasion they were truly tested, drawing 1-1 with Morocco in their opening fixture.

Japan, meanwhile, looked strong technically and tactically as they finished second behind the Netherlands in Group F, and have not lost in any of their past 16 matches, beating England 1-0 in a friendly at Wembley in March.

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

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

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

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

If England reach this stage, they will be playing in Miami.