Bellingham and Kane fire England top of Group L, setting up Senegal or DR Congo clash

England secured top spot in Group L with a 2-0 victory over Panama at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Saturday, setting up a last-32 tie in Atlanta against either Senegal or DR Congo on Wednesday, 1 July.

After a frustrating first half against Panama, Jude Bellingham broke the deadlock before Harry Kane added a second to give Thomas Tuchel’s side their second win of the 2026 World Cup. Croatia’s victory over Ghana in the same group confirmed England’s position at the summit of Group L.

England will face the best-ranked third-place team from Groups I, J or K in Atlanta. Senegal currently occupy that spot, but DR Congo can displace them with a win over Uzbekistan on Saturday night. Algeria and Austria also meet in their final Group J fixture, keeping the identity of England’s opponents in flux.

Should England advance past the round of 32, their projected route to the final takes shape as one of the tournament’s most demanding paths. A last-16 tie against Group A winners Mexico — or Ecuador — at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on the evening of Sunday, 5 July looms as a potential high-altitude test.

A quarter-final place would likely bring Group C winners Brazil as opponents on Saturday, 11 July, before a possible semi-final against Argentina, who have made a commanding start to the tournament with Lionel Messi contributing five goals in the group stage.

France are projected as the probable opponents in the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday, 19 July, should both nations navigate the knockout rounds without upset.