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Who could England face in last 32 after qualifying for next round?
June 28, 2026
Source: Yahoo Sports · Read on source site
England secured top spot in Group L and a World Cup last 32 tie against a third-placed team with a 2-0 win over Panama on Saturday.
>Goals from Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane ensured the Three Lions finished on seven points, ahead of Croatia in second on six.
>Croatia secured the second automatic place with a 2-1 win over Ghana and they will play the winners of Group K.
>Thomas Tuchel's men now face a wait to discover who they will play in the first knockout round on Wednesday at 17:00 BST.
>England made a winning start to the tournament by beating Croatia 4-2, before being held to a goalless draw by Ghana on Tuesday.
Who had the X-factor and who had a tough game? England player ratingsWho can England play in the last 32?England play one of the eight best third-placed teams, but the distribution of the fixtures depends on which groups provide the qualifiers.
>After it was confirmed Ghana had qualified as third in Group L, it meant England had only two possible opponents - third place in group K or Senegal.
>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.
>There is also a very unlikely scenario whereby Uzbekistan win by seven goals and take 3K, and play England.
>If DR Congo draw or lose then England will play Senegal.
>The knockout path is now set for England through to the quarters.
>After DR Congo or Senegal, they would play the winners of Mexico or Ecuador in the last 16 in Mexico City on 5 July.
>The potential quarter-final would be in Miami in 11 July against Brazil, Japan, Ivory Coast or Norway.
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