England's potential route through the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been outlined, with a challenging path that could include matches against Brazil, Ivory Coast, and Norway.
If England advances, they could face five-time winners Brazil in the quarterfinals. To reach this stage, Brazil must first defeat Japan in the last 32. Brazil topped Group C, but their performance was described as unconvincing after a 1-1 draw with Morocco. Japan, meanwhile, finished second in Group F and has a strong technical and tactical record, with 16 matches unbeaten. Japan previously defeated England 1-0 in a friendly in March.
Other potential quarterfinal opponents for England include Ivory Coast and Norway, who are set to play each other in the last 32. Ivory Coast boasts attacking talent such as Yan Diomande, Ange-Yoan Bonny, and Amad Diallo, and finished second in their group behind Germany. Norway, appearing in their first World Cup since 1998, finished second in Group I and features Erling Haaland up front.
England secured their place in the knockout rounds after topping Group L. The analysis of England's path to the final comes from BBC Sport following their qualification for the knockout stages. The potential quarterfinal match against Brazil would be played in Miami.