Can England Win the World Cup?

The Three Lions have qualified for the knockout stages of the World Cup by winning their group. England weren't always in top form, but with seven points from three matches they did enough to finish ahead of Croatia in second, third-placed Ghana, and bottom side Panama.

What's Next for England?

England's reward for progressing to the knockout rounds is a tie in Atlanta with DR Congo, who finished third in Group K after drawing with Portugal, losing to Colombia, and beating Uzbekistan.

Potential Opponents

If England progress to the second knockout round, they could face co-hosts Mexico, one of only three teams to win all three of their group-stage fixtures. Mexico have been helped by playing all three of their matches on home soil, and the early knockout rounds will be the same - both their last-32 tie with Ecuador and the potential last-16 game against England will take place in Mexico City's 87,500-capacity Estadio Azteca.

Quarter-Final Matchups

Now, this is where things begin to look much more difficult. Five-time winners Brazil are in England's section of the draw and are potential quarter-final opponents. Vinicius Jr and co topped Group C - knocking out Scotland in the process - but were unconvincing on the one occasion they were truly tested, drawing 1-1 with Morocco in their opening fixture.

England are on a 2-game winning run, with a recent form of 2W-0D-2L. Their next fixture is vs Spain at home on 2026-09-26. Currently sidelined is R. James.