World Cup bracket reveals when U.S. can play England at World Cup, and it’s not July 4 originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The viral concept took on a life of its own pretty quickly.
According to many on social media before the 2026 FIFA World Cup began, the United States and England could play in Philadelphia on July 4.
The thing is, that was never true.
No matter what place the two teams finished in their respective groups, they weren’t going to play in a matchup at that point in the tournament. The way the bracket was written wouldn’t allow it.
Yes, it would’ve been a great vibe, an Independence Day matchup between the USA and England.
But no, it wasn’t actually ever possible.
Now that the World Cup’s group stage is over, though, we can take a look at when these teams could actually meet.
And believe us — if this matchup happens now, it’ll be an even bigger deal than a game on the Fourth of July.
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When can the USA and England play at the World Cup?
The United States cannot play England at the 2026 World Cup until the final.
That’s right — they’re on entirely opposite sides of the bracket. Their only possible clash would be with the big trophy on the line.
England have won it once, back in 1966.
The U.S. has never won the men’s World Cup.
The odds of them both reaching the final? Not great, but it’s technically possible.
The U.S. opens its elimination play on Wednesday against Bosnia and Herzegovina. If favorites win from there, the United States would then have to go through Belgium, Spain and either France or Germany to reach the final.
England begins with DR Congo, then could be looking at Mexico, Brazil and Argentina before the final.
World Cup games on July 4
There will be two World Cup Round of 16 games on July 4.
The first will pit the winner of Canada-South Africa against the winner of Netherlands-Morocco.
The second will be the winner of Germany-Paraguay against the winner of France-Sweden.
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