England secured their presence in the round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup before even taking the field against Panama, on Saturday. With four points from two games, the Three Lions have already secured at least one of the eight places reserved for the third-placed teams with the best record. The mathematical confirmation arrived thanks to Uruguay's defeat against Spain, on Saturday.
Thomas Tuchel's team started the campaign with a 4-2 victory over Croatia and drew 0-0 with Ghana on Tuesday. At the start of the final round, England leads Group L, with Ghana in second, both with four points. The two decisive matches kick off at 10pm (Lisbon time) on Saturday.
Who could be the next opponent?
- If England equals or improves Ghana's result without losing, they will secure 1st place in the group and face one of the eight best third-placed teams.
- If DR Congo beats Uzbekistan in the final of Group K (00:30 on Sunday, Lisbon time), they will be England's rivals in the round of 32.
- If DR Congo draws or loses, their most likely opponent will be Senegal — unless Croatia lose to Ghana.
- There is also a scenario in which the opponent leaves Group J (third place): Austria or Algeria, who face each other in the last game of the group. This happens if DR Congo doesn't win, Croatia loses and Group J places a third among the best. In this case, a draw between Austria and Algeria would make a duel with Algeria more likely. England could still face Austria if they lose by a goal, Croatia fall to Ghana and DR Congo don't win.
- If DR Congo doesn't win, Croatia loses and Group J doesn't place a third among the best, the opponent will be Senegal again.
If England finishes 2nd in Group L, they will face second in Group K — a position currently occupied by Portugal.
Clinical report: Reece James out; Saka, Rice and Anderson fit Coach Thomas Tuchel confirmed that Reece James will miss the duel with Panama due to a thigh muscle problem suffered in the draw against Ghana. Conversely, there is good news for Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson: all available for Saturday. Rice (calves) and Anderson (glute) missed training on Thursday, but returned on Friday. Tuchel also added that Saka is ready to start, after coming off the bench in the first two rounds due to long-term Achilles tendinopathy.