England guaranteed place in knockout stages of World Cup

The team is currently top of Group L after a 4-2 win over Croatia and a 0-0 draw against Ghana.

England plays Panama in their final group stage match tonight at 10am (UK time).

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How England is already guaranteed a place in the knockout stages of the World Cup

England’s place in the knockout rounds of the World Cup has been secured ahead of their final Group L game against Panama.

Results on Friday (June 26) night, where Spain beat Uruguay, meant that Thomas Tuchel’s men are assured a place in the last 32, whatever happens against at the MetLife Stadium on Saturday (June 27).

The penultimate day of the Group Stage ✔️ #FIFAWorldCup

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 27, 2026

England is guaranteed to be one of the top eight third-placed finishers, meaning they will progress even if things go badly against Panama.

They will finish top of the group if they can match Ghana’s result against Croatia.

That would guarantee them a last-32 tie in Atlanta against a third-placed team on Wednesday (July 1).

Into the Round of 32 👊

Saturday morning's results mean the #ThreeLions are guaranteed a place in the @FIFAWorldCup knockout stage.

— England (@England) June 27, 2026

Round of 32 fixtures already confirmed

Groups A to I have already completed all three of their group stage matches, meaning nine of the 16 matches for the Round of 32 have already been decided (at the time of writing):

• Germany v Paraguay (June 29)
• France v Sweden (June 30)
• South Africa v Canada (June 28)
• Netherlands v Morocco (June 30)
• USA v Bosnia and Herzegovina (July 2)
• Brazil v Japan (June 29)
• Côte d'Ivoire v Norway (June 30)
• Argentina v Cape Verde (July 3)
• Australia v Egypt (July 3)

Will you be watching England's match versus Panama tonight (Saturday, June 27)? Let us know in the comments below.