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Ecuador in the last 32? England's possible routes to 2026 World Cup final
WC 2026
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Sky Sports·about 16 hours ago

Ecuador in the last 32? England's possible routes to 2026 World Cup final

What is England's potential path to World Cup 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.

Saturday June 27: England vs Panama , New Jersey - kick-off 10pm

As things stand, 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 from the last 16 onwards based on FIFA rankings.

2026 World Cup dates, venues and expanded format

Wednesday July 1: England vs Third-placed Group E/H/I/J/K, Atlanta - kick-off 5pm

As things stand, it will be Ecuador in the first knockout round.

Monday July 6: England vs Mexico , Mexico City - kick-off 1am

Saturday July 11: England vs Brazil , Miami - kick-off 10pm

Wednesday July 15: England vs Argentina , Atlanta - kick-off 8pm

Sunday July 19: England vs Spain , New Jersey - kick-off 8pm

Friday July 3: England vs Portugal , Toronto - kick-off 12am

Monday July 6: England vs Spain , Arlington - kick-off 8pm

Friday July 10: England vs USA , Los Angeles - kick-off 8pm

Tuesday July 14: England vs France , Arlington - kick-off 8pm

Sunday July 19: England vs Argentina , New Jersey - kick-off 8pm

Saturday July 4: England vs Colombia , Kansas - kick-off 2.30am

Tuesday July 7: England vs Switzerland , Vancouver - kick-off 9pm

Saturday July 12: England vs Argentina , Kansas - kick-off 2am

Wednesday July 15: England vs Brazil , Atlanta - kick-off 8pm

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Sources: Sky Sports

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