England's World Cup 2026 fixtures, schedule and tournament route to final - how Three Lions could lift trophy on July 19
England face brutal knockout showdowns with Brazil, Argentina and Spain if they win Group L; Euro 2024 champions Spain could potentially await in last 16 if England finish second in Group L
Thursday 18 June 2026 11:26, UK
England's World Cup has begun - but what is their path to potential glory?
The Three Lions have been handed an advantage already by FIFA's introduction of a Wimbledon-style seeding system, which means they cannot meet Spain or Argentina until the semis or France until the final, should all four countries win their respective groups.
- World Cup fixture schedule - your day-by-day guide
- Explained: Why England are set to avoid world's top three until semis
- World Cup 2026 schedule, dates and venues
So here is England's potential path to reaching the 2026 World Cup final on Sunday July 19 at the New York-New Jersey (MetLife) Stadium.
We've picked the most likely games England would face based on the FIFA rankings of possible opponents.
Group stage
Wednesday June 17: England 4-2 Croatia
Tuesday June 23: England vs Ghana, Boston - kick-off 9pm
Saturday June 27: England vs Panama, New Jersey - kick-off 10pm
Who could England play were they to progress as group winners?
Round of 32
Wednesday July 1: England vs Third-placed Group E/H/I/J/K, Atlanta - kick-off 5pm
That could be Ivory Coast, Saudi Arabia, Norway, Algeria or DR Congo.
Round of 16
Monday July 6: England vs Mexico, Mexico City - kick-off 1am
Quarter-finals
Saturday July 11: England vs Brazil, Miami - kick-off 10pm
Semi-finals
Wednesday July 15: England vs Argentina, Atlanta - kick-off 8pm
Final
Sunday July 19: England vs Spain, New Jersey - kick-off 8pm
Who could England play were they to progress as group runners-up?
Round of 32
Friday July 3: England vs Colombia, Toronto - kick-off 12am
Round of 16
Monday July 6: England vs Spain, Arlington - kick-off 8pm
Quarter-finals
Friday July 10: England vs Belgium, Los Angeles - kick-off 8pm
Semi-finals
Tuesday July 14: England vs France, Arlington - kick-off 8pm
Final
Sunday July 19: England vs Argentina, New Jersey - kick-off 8pm
And if England finish third in their group...
Group stage
Wednesday June 17: England 4-2 Croatia
Tuesday June 23: England vs Ghana, Boston - kick-off 9pm
Saturday June 27: England vs Panama, New Jersey - kick-off 10pm
Round of 32
Saturday July 4: England vs Portugal, Kansas - kick-off 2.30am
Round of 16
Tuesday July 7: England vs Switzerland, Vancouver - kick-off 9pm
Quarter-finals
Saturday July 12: England vs Argentina, Kansas - kick-off 2am
Semi-finals
Wednesday July 15: England vs Brazil, Atlanta - kick-off 8pm
Final
Sunday July 19: England vs Spain, New Jersey - kick-off 8pm
