Football Dec 06, 2025

England's routes to 2026 World Cup final: How Three Lions could lift trophy on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium

👤
By Admin
Sports Journalist
England's routes to 2026 World Cup final: How Three Lions could lift trophy on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium

England's path to the 2026 World Cup final has been revealed following Friday's draw in Washington DC.

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.

England boss Thomas Tuchel was appointed in the autumn of 2024 with the sole mission of adding a second star to the England shirt to add to the one marking the 1966 World Cup.

And now Tuchel can start plotting England's path to glory at the tournament being co-hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico, with kick-off times and locations of games to be revealed by FIFA at 5pm UK time on Saturday, December 6.

So here is England's potential path to reaching the 2026 World Cup final on July 19 at the New York-New Jersey (MetLife) Stadium.

We’ve picked the most likely opponents England would face in those games based on the highest-ranking possible opponents from their route to the final.

June 17: England vs Croatia, Toronto or Arlington

June 23: England vs Ghana, Boston or Toronto

June 27: England vs Panama, East Rutherford or Philadelphia

July 1: England vs Third-placed Group E/H/I/J/K, Atlanta

July 5: England vs Mexico, Mexico City

July 11: England vs Brazil, Miami Gardens

July 15: England vs Argentina, Atlanta

July 19: England vs Spain, East Rutherford

June 17: England vs Croatia, Toronto or Arlington

June 23: England vs Ghana, Boston or Toronto

June 27: England vs Panama, East Rutherford or Philadelphia

July 2: England vs Colombia, Toronto

July 6: England vs Spain, Arlington

July 10: England vs Belgium, Inglewood

July 14: England vs France, Arlington

July 19: England vs Argentina, East Rutherford

This could also take England all the way. But because of the complicated way the third-placed qualification works, there are too many potential routes - which won't be finalised until the end of the group stages - to take into account at this point.

Tags:

football news id:13479783

Share this article

Related Posts

Arsenal: Mikel Arteta slams 'completely unacceptable' decision to overturn penalty awarded to Eberechi Eze in Champions League semi-final at Atletico Madrid

Arsenal: Mikel Arteta slams 'completely unacceptable' decision to overturn penalty awarded to Eberechi Eze in Champions League semi-final at Atletico Madrid

Mikel Arteta called the decision to overturn a penalty awarded to Eberechi Eze as "completely unacceptable" after his Arsenal side were pegged back to...

World Cup 2026 news and live updates - USA, Canada and Mexico build-up plus latest on Trump, tickets and fans

World Cup 2026 news and live updates - USA, Canada and Mexico build-up plus latest on Trump, tickets and fans

Man City midfielder Coombs to retire at end of seasonManchester City midfielder Laura Coombs has announced that she will retire at the...

Leah Williamson: Arsenal and England defender signs new contract with Women's Super League club

Leah Williamson: Arsenal and England defender signs new contract with Women's Super League club

Leah Williamson has signed a new contract with Arsenal Women. The 29-year-old's season has been hampered by injury, missing the first half of the camp...

Piero Hincapie, William Saliba and Gabriel personify Arsenal's warrior spirit as battle against fatigue continues in epic trophy hunt

Piero Hincapie, William Saliba and Gabriel personify Arsenal's warrior spirit as battle against fatigue continues in epic trophy hunt

Diego Simeone's tactical changes helped Atletico Madrid wrestle back control against Arsenal at the Metropolitano Stadium. His switch to a back five a...

Donald Trump says Iran can play at World Cup in USA after FIFA confirmation

Donald Trump says Iran can play at World Cup in USA after FIFA confirmation

United States president Donald Trump has given his blessing to Iran competing on his country’s soil during this summer’s World Cup, stating: "Let them...

Scottish Premiership: Hearts, Celtic & Rangers fans on title favourites and what winning the league would mean to them

Scottish Premiership: Hearts, Celtic & Rangers fans on title favourites and what winning the league would mean to them

With four games remaining, there are just four points separating the top three teams in the Scottish Premiership ahead of a delectable double-header –...