England’s potential route to World Cup 2026 final

Thomas Tuchel is hoping to end England’s 60 years of hurt on the global stage as the Three Lions vie for World Cup glory in North America. While sceptics may predict an early exit for the German’s first international tournament in charge, fans will already be looking at the potential draw for England as they dream of of a spot at this year’s final at MetLife Stadium on 19 July. For now, England only know for sure who they’ll face in the group, beginning their campaign on 17 June against Croatia in Dallas before facing Panama and Ghana in their remaining Group L clashes. But going by the tournament seeding, we can predict whose path England may cross should they progress to the final two. Thomas Tuchel’s side begin their World Cup campaign against Croatia (PA Wire) Topping the group, as might be expected of a side ranked fourth in the world, 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 then the potential semi-final opposition. Top-ranked Spain would then share the final with England from the other side of the draw. England’s possible route to World Cup final: Group fixtures 17 Jun e: England vs Croatia | AT&T Stadium, Arlington 23 June : England vs Ghana | Gillette Stadium, Foxborough 27 June : England vs Panama | MetLife Stadium, New Jersey Round of 32 1 July: England v third-place finisher in Group E/H/I/J/K | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta Round of 16 5 July: England vs Mexico | Estadio Azteca, Mexico City Quarter-final 11 July: England vs Brazil | Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Semi-final 15 July: England vs Argentina | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta Final: 19 July: England vs Spain | MetLife Stadium, New Jersey