World Cup 2026: England through to last 32 – who could they play next?


England currently lead group L, with second-placed Ghana, level with the Three Lions on four points, playing Croatia in the other match.

Both games kick-off at 22:00 BST on Saturday.

If England match or better Ghana’s result without losing they will finish top.

That would then set up a match against one of the eight best third-placed teams.

If DR Congo beat Uzbekistan in their final group K match at 00:30 BST on Sunday, England will play the third-placed team in that group.

That is almost certain to be DR Congo, bar a scenario whereby Portugal lose with a goal difference swing of seven between the teams. Then England would play Portugal.

If DR Congo draw or lose then England will play Senegal, unless Croatia lose to Ghana and do not qualify in third.

If that happens, England would play the third-placed team from Group J if they qualify.

Third in Group J will be one of Austria or Algeria, who play each other in their final game.

If the game is a draw, England would play Algeria.

England could still play Austria if they lose by one goal.

If Austria lose they are unlikely to qualify in third, in which case England play Senegal.

If England were to finish second in their group, they would play the second-placed team in group K which is currently Portugal.

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