England World Cup group scenarios: What Three Lions need to qualify for 2026 Round of 32 knockouts originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The Football Association has put their chips on Thomas Tuchel ending the England men’s national team’s now 60 years of hurt.
The 1966 World Cup triumph on home soil remains England’s only major tournament success.
They came close under Gareth Southgate, reaching the final of Euro 2020 and Euro 2024 and performing strongly at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.
Now, with a Champions League-winning coach at the helm, and Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham leading a talent-stacked team on the field, is this finally the time for England to fulfil weighty expectations?
The Sporting News has an overview of the current situation in Group L, who England could play in the knockout stage, and what the rest of the tournament could look like for the Three Lions.
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Group L standings at 2026 World Cup
| Pos | Team | PTS | GP | W | L | D | GF | GA | GD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | England | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 2 | +2 |
| 2. | Ghana | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | +1 |
| 2. | Panama | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | -1 |
| 4. | Croatia | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 4 | -2 |
What does England need to qualify for the World Cup knockouts?
England made a flying start to the World Cup, winning a thrilling encounter against Croatia 4-2 in Dallas.
If Tuchel’s side beats Ghana in Boston on June 23, they will go through to the knockout rounds with a game to spare.
The way the tournament is shaping up as a whole, it is likely that a draw would be enough for England to at least be guaranteed progress as one of the best third-place finishers, irrespective of what happens in their final Group match against Panama.
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England scenarios to win Group L
England will win Group L if they beat Ghana and Panama does not beat Croatia.
Even in the event of an upset Panamanian victory forcing the battle for top spot on to the final day, a draw would be enough for England to finish top.
Who will England play in the knockout stage?
If England wins Group L, their Round of 32 match will be in Atlanta on July 1, against one of the best third-place qualifiers.
Depending on how those rankings shake out, the Three Lions will face the third-placed team from either Group E, H, I, J or K.
There is the potential of a mouthwatering Round of 16 clash against co-hosts Mexico at the Azteca. El Tri are already assured of progress as Group A winners and will also face a third-placed finisher in the first knockout round.
Odds for England to progress in the World Cup knockout stage
According to DraftKings, England are odds on to win Group L, priced -1400.
Tuchel’s side are +600 to win the whole tournament.
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