← Back to News
Who's facing who? Every potential fixture in the World Cup knockout stages!
Teams
S
Sky Sports·about 13 hours ago

Who's facing who? Every potential fixture in the World Cup knockout stages!

As we head towards the final World Cup group games, it's time to start looking ahead to the knockout stages and potential routes to the final in New Jersey.

Who could face who in the last 32? How are the potential routes to the final shaping up? Is there a more difficult side of the draw?

There are still plenty of twists and turns to come but here's an early look at how the last 32 and how the rest of the tournament is shaping up, as things stand...

Thomas Tuchel's side are on course to top their group after an opening win over Croatia.

However, England will be hoping Portugal can improve from their opening draw against DR Congo.

As things stand, the Three Lions are on course for a last-32 clash with Cristiano Ronaldo and co before a potential last-16 tie with co-hosts Mexico in Mexico City.

Image: Harry Kane and the England players sing and celebrate with their supporters after beating Croatia

France or Brazil are potential last eight opponents, while holders Argentina and Lionel Messi could lie in wait in the semi-finals.

World Cup 2026 fixture schedule - your day-by-day guide

And then how about Spain in the final? As thngs stand, England will have to do it the hard away if they are to win a first World Cup since 1966.

Play Super 6! Play Super 6 for a chance to win £250k! Enter for free.

Scotland 's World Cup dreams are hanging in the balance but all is not lost for Steve Clarke's side despite their defeat to Morocco.

Clarke and his players now face five-time world champions Brazil at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Wednesday knowing only a win will guarantee them a place in the round of 32.

As things stand, Scotland's points tally in Group C would see them qualify as one of the best third-placed teams, but there are no guarantees their current tally of three points would be enough. The Opta Supercomputer predictor currently rates their chances of progressing at just above 70 per cent.

Image: Scotland could still qualify for the knockout stages

So, what could their route be if they qualify?

First up could be a clash with Germany in the last 32.

If successful in that huge potential showdown, Clarke's men could face Norway or Sweden before a last eight meeting with the Netherlands .

Win that and the Scottish dream could continue against Spain in the last four before a potential final against... England .

Sign up for Sky Sports push notifications Upgrade to Sky Sports to watch every minute of end of season X Facebook TikTok Instagram YouTube WhatsApp Partners Sky Bet Super 6 TEAMtalk.com Football365.com Sky Sports Channels Sky Sports Main Event Sky Sports Premier League Sky Sports Football Sky Sports Cricket Sky Sports Golf Sky Sports F1 Sky Sports Tennis Sky Sports Action Sky Sports News Sky Sports+ Sky Sports Racing Sky Sports Mix More Sky Sites Sky.com Sky News Sky Go Sky Group Sky For Businesses Sky Partnerships Sky Impact Store Locator Advertise With Us Terms & Conditions Privacy & Cookies Notice Privacy Options Accessibility Information Contact Us © 2026 Sky UK

Sources: Sky Sports

Get WC 2026 Updates

Match previews, results, and standings — delivered to your inbox.

Related Articles

Iran leave note asking for peace after Belgium draw
Teams

Iran leave note asking for peace after Belgium draw

Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Iran have drawn their opening two games at the 2026 World Cup

B
BBC Sport·about 13 hours ago
Uruguay rue missed chances as showdown with Spain awaits
Teams

Uruguay rue missed chances as showdown with Spain awaits

Uruguay's campaign has reached a crossroads. After successive draws against Saudi Arabia and now Cabo Verde, Marcelo Bielsa's side head into their final Group H match against Spain knowing victory may be required to reach the knockout stage.

F
FIFA Official·about 13 hours ago
Live World Cup 2026 third-place table - who's on course to qualify?
Teams

Live World Cup 2026 third-place table - who's on course to qualify?

As we head towards the final World Cup group matches, who is on course to reach the knockout stages as one of the eight best third-placed teams?

S
Sky Sports·about 13 hours ago
Cabo Verde hails its heroes as Vozinha’s family is reunited
Teams

Cabo Verde hails its heroes as Vozinha’s family is reunited

The Cabo Verde fans in Miami were stunned into silence in the 68th minute. A low cross from the right caught the defence off guard and, as the ball ricocheted loose, goalkeeper Vozinha stretched to try and bring it under control. Maxi Araujo was chal

F
FIFA Official·about 13 hours ago
Cape Verde do it again and Lamine Yamal spurs on Spain | World Cup Daily
Teams

Cape Verde do it again and Lamine Yamal spurs on Spain | World Cup Daily

Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning , Jeff Rueter and Mark Langdon as Cape Verde claim yet another historic point and Spain finally look like a team worthy of the favourites tag. Continue reading...

T
The Guardian·about 13 hours ago
Egypt claim their first World Cup win after roaring from behind to beat New Zealand
Teams

Egypt claim their first World Cup win after roaring from behind to beat New Zealand

Mohamed Salah inspired Egypt to their first-ever World Cupwin as they came from a goal down ⁠to beat New Zealand 3-1 with a brilliant second-half display, moving top of Group G and boosting their hopes of reaching the knockout stage.

T
The Guardian·about 13 hours ago