England’s route to the World Cup final: Who could the Three Lions face?
England take on DR Congo in the Round of 32, but who could await Thomas Tuchel’s side if they progress? Here’s the Three Lions’ possible opponents en route to the 2026 World Cup final.
England’s route through the knockout stages of the 2026 World Cup is becoming clearer after topping Group L, but the challenge is only just beginning.
The Three Lions face DR Congo in the Round of 32 knowing that victory would move them just three wins away from a place in the World Cup final. Here’s what happens if England beat DR Congo, who they could face next and their potential route to lifting football’s biggest prize.
England’s next World Cup match
England’s next challenge is a Round of 32 meeting with DR Congo, with a place in the last 16 at stake.
Thomas Tuchel‘s side secured top spot in Group L after navigating the group stage, while DR Congo progressed from Group K in third place to earn a knockout tie with England.
While Congo are major underdogs, they are not a team to be underestimated, after holding Portugal to a 0-0 draw, narrowly losing to group winners Colombia 1-0 before comfortably beating Uzbekistan 3-1.
Fans of the Premier League will recognise a number of the Congo players, including Newcastle United striker Yoane Wissa, and former Manchester United players Axel Tuanzebe and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
For the latest team news, predicted line-ups, injuries and betting markets, read our England vs DR Congo preview and prediction.
What happens if England beat DR Congo?
If England beat DR Congo, they will progress to the Round of 16, where they will face either Mexico or Ecuador.
That match would take place in Mexico City on Monday, July 6 at 01:00 BST at one of the most iconic World Cup stadiums, Estadio Azteca.
Victory there would send England into the quarter-finals, meaning they would be just two wins away from reaching the World Cup final.
If England lose to DR Congo, however, their World Cup campaign would come to an end.
Who could England face in the quarter-finals?
If England continue their progress by beating either Mexico or Ecuador, a quarter-final showdown awaits in Miami on Saturday, July 11 at 23:00 BST.
Their opponents would be either Brazil or the winners of Norway vs Ivory Coast, depending on how that side of the draw unfolds.
Brazil would undoubtedly represent England’s toughest test of the tournament so far, but knockout football is rarely predictable and surprises have already been a feature of the competition.
After Germany were knocked out by Paraguay, and the Netherlands were eliminated by Morocco, it is evident that there are no easy games in the knockout stages, regardless of reputation.
The latest World Cup odds give England a good chance of lifting the trophy, but these will fluctuate after each round.
Who could England face in the semi-finals?
Should England reach the last four, the potential list of opponents becomes even more intriguing.
Possible semi-final opponents currently include:
- Argentina
- Cape Verde
- Australia
- Egypt
- Switzerland
- Algeria
- Colombia
- Ghana
With several of the World Cup favourites still alive, England’s exact route will only become clear as the knockout rounds progress.
However, it is undeniable that Argentina are the team that stand out as potential England semi-final opponents, in a fixture synonymous with World Cup history.
From Diego Maradona‘s iconic brace in 1986, to David Beckham‘s red card in 1998, England fans may not have great memories against their biggest South American rivals, although it would represent an opportunity to avenge some of the demons of the past.
Can England win the 2026 World Cup?
England began the tournament among the favourites and remain well placed after finishing top of their group, despite a goalless draw with Ghana either side of their wins against Croatia and Panama raising some concern.
While the knockout stages inevitably become more difficult with every round, avoiding several of the pre-tournament heavyweights until the latter stages has given the Three Lions a genuine opportunity to build momentum.
If Tuchel’s side can overcome DR Congo, followed by either Mexico or Ecuador, they will head into the quarter-finals believing a place in the semi-finals is within reach.
