England's routes to 2026 World Cup final

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.

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England's World Cup Group L games

Wednesday June 17: England 4-2 Croatia

Tuesday June 23: England vs Ghana - Boston, 9pm (UK time)

Saturday June 27: Panama vs England - New York-New Jersey, 10pm (UK time)

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

Also See:

Latest England news

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England fixtures

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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