Will England make the World Cup Final? Plotting the Three Lions route to New York and rating their chances

World Cup 2026 - Route to the Final

Round of 32

DR Congo next up for Three Lions

There's no doubt that, as in previous tournaments, England are once again on the favourable side of the draw.

True, they are in the same half as South American giants Argentina and Brazil, but they cannot meet any of the European powerhouses - France, Spain, Germany, Portugal etc - until the final.

But that's for another day, next up for Thomas Tuchel's men is DR Congo, and they shouldn't be underestimated.

In Group K they performed with much credit, holding one of the much fancied teams to win the tournament, Portugal, to a 1-1 draw before suffering a late 1-0 defeat to Colombia. They needed to beat Uzbekistan in their final group game to qualify, and they did so comfortably, coming from 1-0 down to win 3-1.

Defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka and striker Yoane Wissa are the household names for followers of the Premier League, but in experienced captain Chancel Mbemba, hard-working midfielder Edo Kayembe and striker Cedric Bakambu they look to have a solid spine, and having not conceded more than one goal in a game at this World Cup, they'll clearly be a difficult side to break down.

Patience could be the key for England again, who are 1/41.25 in the early Match Odds betting on the Sportsbook, which is a slight concern given that Tuchel's men struggled against Ghana, and for large parts against Panama, to break down well-organised teams set up to defend and counter. DR Congo are likely to do exactly the same.

Further down the line it's likely to be Mexico in the Round of 16 who have a stunning record at their home ground, the Azteca Stadium, and they've just become the first team since Uruguay in 2018 to win their three group games without conceding a single goal.

Beyond that it's likely to be Brazil, then Argentina for England before they even get to the final. Despite being in what looks the easier side of the draw, this is not going to be an easy path to the final for the Three Lions.

England likely route to the Final:

Round of 32: DR Congo, Wed 1 July 5pm, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta

Round of 16: Mexico or Ecuador, Mon 6 July 1am, Estadio Azteca, Mexico City

Quarter Final*: Brazil or Norway, Sat 11 July 10pm, Hard Rock Stadium, Miami

Semi Final*: Argentina or Colombia, Wed 15 July 8pm, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta

Final*: France or Spain, Sat 19 July 8pm, MetLife Stadium, New York

*Based on two strongest favourites out of the possible teams England can face

Latest World Cup 2026 Betting

France are now the clear favourites at 7/24.50 to win the World Cup, and deservedly so after winning three out of three in the group stages and their star men Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele being in top form.

Argentina have shortened to 4/15.00 second favourites, and that is perfectly understandable given their 100% record in Group J, star man Lionel Messi being in superb form, and their seemingly easy route to the semi-final.

Spain are next best at 6/17.00 while England briefly drifted to 8/19.00 after some below par performances but they're now back as 13/27.50 fourth favourites. They are the only four nations trading at under 14/115.00.

Now read our latest Golden Boot updates as the big names shine

Round of 16

Quarter Final

Semi Final

Final / 3rd Place Final

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