Over two weeks into the 2026 World Cup, the longest-ever group stage has come to an end. The last 32 fixtures have been confirmed, but who will meet in the first knockout round – and who could England play if they go all the way?
The tournament has already provided plenty to enjoy: Lionel Messi breaking records, Cabo Verde surpassing all expectations and goals aplenty as we head into the knockout stages.
Now, though, is when the tournament really gets going, when the top teams begin to meet and the favourites go up a gear.
Which teams are in the last 32?
The following teams progressed to the last 32: Mexico, South Africa, Switzerland, Canada, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Brazil, Morocco, USA, Australia, Paraguay, Germany, Cote d’Ivoire, Ecuador, Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, Belgium, Egypt, Spain, Cabo Verde, France, Norway, Senegal, Argentina, Austria, Algeria, Colombia, Portugal, DR Congo, England, Croatia, Ghana
Which teams have been eliminated?
The following 16 countries were knocked out in the group stage: Korea Republic, Czechia, Qatar, Scotland, Haiti, Turkiye, Curacao, Tunisia, Iran, New Zealand, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Jordan, Uzbekistan, Panama
South Africa were beaten by Canada in the first knockout match.
The left side of the draw
The left side of the draw features European heavyweights Spain, France, Portugal, Germany and the Netherlands. Co-hosts USA and Canada are also on this side.
- Sunday, June 28 – South Africa 0-1 Canada (Los Angeles)
- Monday, June 29 – Germany v Paraguay (Boston)
- Tuesday, June 30 – Netherlands v Morocco (Monterrey)
- Tuesday, June 30 – France v Sweden (New York/New Jersey)
- Wednesday, July 1 – Belgium v Senegal (Seattle)
- Thursday, July 2 – USA v Bosnia & Herzegovina (San Francisco)
- Thursday, July 2 – Spain v Austria (Los Angeles)
- Friday, July 3 – Portugal v Croatia (Toronto)
The right side of the draw
England, who face DR Congo in the last 32, are on the other side of the draw along with defending champions Argentina, five-time winners Brazil and co-hosts Mexico.
- Monday, June 29 – Brazil v Japan (Houston)
- Tuesday, June 30 – Cote d’Ivoire v Norway (Dallas)
- Wednesday, July 1 – Mexico v Ecuador (Mexico City)
- Wednesday, July 1 – England v DR Congo (Atlanta)
- Friday, July 3 – Switzerland v Algeria (Vancouver)
- Friday, July 3 – Australia v Egypt (Dallas)
- Friday, July 3 – Argentina v Cabo Verde (Miami)
- Saturday, July 4 – Colombia v Ghana (Kansas City)
Who could play who in last 16?
There could be a blockbuster last 16 clash between France and Germany if both nations – as expected – win their last 32 ties against Sweden and Paraguay respectively.
Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo, if they get past Croatia, could face European champions Spain in the last 16, a consequence of finishing second to Colombia in their group.
Co-hosts USA will face Belgium or Senegal should they get past underdogs Bosnia & Herzegovina in California.
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Fellow co-hosts Canada edged past South Africa in the last 32 and will next face either the Netherlands or Morocco.
Erling Haaland‘s Norway could meet Brazil in a glamorous last-16 tie if they beat Cote d’Ivoire and Carlo Ancelotti’s side overcome a strong Japan.
England, should they beat DR Congo, will play Mexico or Ecuador – both accustomed to playing at altitude – in Mexico City in the next round.
Defending champions Argentina, meanwhile, look to have a favourable draw on paper. They will expect to win against Cabo Verde, before facing the winner of Australia v Egypt.
Finally, Switzerland or Algeria will play Colombia or Ghana in the last 16 on Argentina’s side of the draw.
England’s potential route to the final
As mentioned, England will be tasked with beating co-hosts Mexico or Ecuador at Estadio Azteca if they reach the last 16.
Both would be difficult opponents, particularly Mexico, yet to concede a goal in the tournament, with the backing of a vociferous home crowd.
Ecuador, too, as they showed against Germany, are more than capable of producing an upset.
If they get over that hurdle, England could be up against Brazil in the quarter-finals, a repeat of the 2002 clash that ended in a 2-1 victory for the Selecao.
There is no guarantee of that, though: Brazil first need to beat Japan, who have impressed so far, and potentially Haaland and Norway after that.
Assuming England make it to the semi-finals, their most likely opponent is Argentina. Could Thomas Tuchel come up with a plan to nullify Messi?
If it transpires that the answer to that question is ‘yes’, The Three Lions would be in the final, where they could meet one of several teams.
Most likely, it would be a showdown with France or Spain in New York for the chance to end 60 years of hurt.
