England’s possible route to the World Cup 2026 final
England defeated Croatia and face games with Ghana and Panama in their first challenge to top Group L
By Will Castle
Thomas Tuchel is hoping to end England’s 60 years of hurt on the global stage and inspired a winning start for the Three Lions at the World Cup 2026 by defeating Croatia 4-2.
Goals from Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford proved too much for Croatia in Dallas.
Top spot could prove invaluable for Thomas Tuchel and his side, meaning a win against Ghana could offer valuable rest in the final game with Panama.
Topping the group, as will be expected now after putting three points on the board, would mean they face a third-place finisher in Groups E/H/I/J/K in the round of 32. Assuming the group stage finishes in accordance with seeding, any of Ivory Coast, Saudi Arabia, Norway, Algeria or DR Congo could end up being drawn to face England.
One round beyond that, the winner of Group A could await — going by Fifa rankings, that would be hosts Mexico, throwing England into the high-altitude cauldron of the Estadio Azteca.
But if they overcame that serious test of resolve, Brazil would be their quarter-final opponent, with Argentina, following a fine start with Lionel Messi’s hat-trick, then the potential semi-final opposition.
Top-ranked Spain would then share the final with England from the other side of the draw.
17 June: England vs Croatia | AT&T Stadium, Arlington
23 June: England vs Ghana | Gillette Stadium, Foxborough
27 June: England vs Panama | MetLife Stadium, New Jersey
1 July: England v third-place finisher in Group E/H/I/J/K | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
5 July: England vs Mexico | Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
11 July: England vs Brazil | Hard Rock Stadium, Miami
15 July: England vs Argentina | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
19 July: England vs Spain | MetLife Stadium, New Jersey