Who could England play in the World Cup last 32?

England have successfully advanced into the round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup, and Thomas Tuchel now knows who his side will face.

Harry Kane scored twice to equal Gary Lineker's all-time England World Cup record of 10 goals on the opening matchday, and a goalless draw against Ghana followed in matchday two. 

The striker would break Lineker's record in matchweek three, finding the back of the net once as Tuchel's side beat Panama 2-0 - with a helping hand from Jude Bellingham - and the Three Lions finished first in Group L with seven points.

With the expanded 48-team format introducing a new round of 32, there were a number of possible opponents for the Three Lions, but they now know who they will face. Sports Mole examines which team awaits England next.

Who will England face in round of 32?

© Iconsport / Sanjin Strukic/PIXSELL

England have topped Group L, so they have been drawn to face one of the tournament's best third-placed teams in the round of 32 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Wednesday, July 1.

Under FIFA's knockout bracket, the Group L winners were to meet a third-placed nation from Groups I, J or K.

England will face DR Congo, who finished third in Group K with four points after taking one point from Portugal and three from Uzbekistan.

What happens next?

© Iconsport / Paul Terry, Sportimage

Should England beat DR Congo, they will advance into the round of 16, and they already know that they would face one of Mexico or Ecuador on July 5.

A successful round of 16 clash would then see England face one of Brazil, Japan, Ivory Coast or Norway in the quarter-finals.

Tuchel would then have to guide the Three Lions to victory over one of Argentina, Cape Verde, Egypt or Australia in order to advance into the final.