ENGLAND are on the brink of booking their spot in the knockout phase of this year’s World Cup – and they could get there with a game to spare.
The Three Lions against Croatia despite putting on a shaky defensive display.
England beat Croatia 4-2 in their opening group game Credit: Getty
scored two before the break to equal Gary Lineker’s World Cup tally of ten goals.
then grabbed England’s third before came off the bench to bag a fourth in a 4-2 win for Thomas Tuchel’s men.
And it has put the Three Lions in a very good position to not only qualify for the knockout rounds, but to top Group L if they secure a positive result against
But fans are itching to know exactly what England need to achieve this feat.
What do England need to qualify for World Cup 2026 knockout phase?
It’s simple. A win for England against Ghana would confirm England’s spot in the knockout phase of the .
However, a draw or a defeat would take matters into the final match against .
Three points for Thomas Tuchel’s men could also be enough to seal top spot, depending on other results.
This would see the Three Lions face one of the third-placed teams from Groups E, H, I, J, or K in the round of 32.
All scenarios will not be confirmed until after Croatia take on Panama in the early hours of Wednesday morning, as a win for either nation would keep the race for top spot alive.
Who do England play next at World Cup 2026?
England will play their second group stage match against Ghana on Tuesday, June 23.
The clash will be held at the Boston Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, with kick-off scheduled for 9pm GMT.
Tuchel’s men will end their group stage campaign against Panama on Saturday, June 27, in New York.
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What are the World Cup 2026 knockout round dates?
- Round of 32: June 28-July 3
- Round of 16 : July 4-7
- Quarterfinals: July 9-11
- Semifinals: July 14-15
- Third-place game: July 18 (Miami Gardens, Florida)
- Final: July 19 (East Rutherford, New Jersey)
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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