2026 World Cup: England's full route to final revealed after group draw announcement

England are preparing to make their eighth consecutive World Cup appearance after cruising through qualifying with a perfect record.

The Three Lions have since been drawn into Group L alongside Croatia, Ghana and Panama.

Thomas Tuchel's charges will start their 2026 World Cup campaign in Arlington against Croatia on June 17.

They will then face Ghana in Foxborough on June 23, before they travel to East Rutherford for their final group game against Panama on June 27.

The Three Lions are hoping that the group stage will be just the start of a long journey in North America, as they look to lift the World Cup for the first time since 1966.

Here, Sports Mole takes a look at England's potential route to the final, with Thomas Tuchel's side seen as one of the favourites to triumph this year.

England's route to the World Cup 2026 final: Round of 32

England will be the favourites to top Group L, and if that is indeed the case, the Three Lions would take on a third-placed team from Group C, Group E, Group F, Group H or Group I, with that fixture taking place in Atlanta on July 1.

A second-placed finish in Group L would see the Three Lions take on the runner-up from Group K, which could potentially be Portugal or Colombia - two very dangerous sides.

England's route to the World Cup 2026 final: Round of 16

Should England win Group L and then triumph in the round of 32, they could potentially meet the winner of Group A in the round of 16, which would be Mexico, South Africa or the UEFA Path D winner, with that game taking place in Mexico City on July 5.

However, second place in Group L and then a win in the round of 32 would see them face the winner of Group H (potentially Spain) or the runner-up in Group J - either Argentina, Algeria, Austria or Jordan.

England's route to the World Cup 2026 final: Quarter-finals

Using path one - winning Group L - England could face the winner of Group C in the quarter-finals, which could potentially be Brazil, with that game taking place in Miami on July 11.

Meanwhile, using the second route - England could potentially meet France in the quarter-finals, so that is a scenario that the Three Lions will want to avoid.

England's route to the World Cup 2026 final: Semi-finals

Through path one - England may meet Argentina or Portugal in the semi-finals, and either would be a monumental battle for the Three Lions.

England's route to the World Cup 2026 final: Final

France could potentially be waiting for England in the final, and that would be a true blockbuster affair, but that seems a long way off now, with Tuchel's side needing to be at their very best to stand a chance of securing World Cup glory this summer.

England potential route to 2026 World Cup final

Group stage: Croatia, Ghana, Panama

Round of 32: Senegal

Round of 16: Mexico

Quarter-finals: Brazil

Semi-finals: Argentina

Final: France

Who will be England's main challengers for World Cup glory?

It is shaping up to be a truly fascinating tournament this summer, and a number of countries will arrive seriously believing that they can win the trophy.

England are certainly among them, with the Three Lions boasting a world-class manager, while they have an embarrassment of riches all over the field.

The same can also be said for European champions Spain, with La Roja viewed to be serious contenders for the trophy this summer.

France must also be considered among the favourites, with the Blues boasting arguably the best player in world football at this moment in time in the shape of Kylian Mbappe.

It is interesting that the top three contenders are European countries, but Brazil and Argentine are also viewed as challengers at the 2026 World Cup.

In terms of outsiders, Portugal cannot be discounted due to their incredible talent, while Germany are also capable of advancing deep into the tournament.