England and Scotland's potential last-32 opponents at the 2026 World Cup

England and Scotland are both in strong positions to reach the World Cup’s Round of 32 after winning their opening group-stage fixtures, raising early questions about who each nation could face in the first knockout round.

Thomas Tuchel’s England made an emphatic start with a 4-2 dismantling of Croatia, while Steve Clarke’s Scotland sealed a historic 1-0 victory over Haiti in Boston to delight the Tartan Army.

Scotland’s potential path

As things stand, Scotland’s prospective Round of 32 opponents would come from the runner-up of Group F. Following Japan’s 2-2 draw with the Netherlands, Japan currently occupy that second-place slot.

However, should Scotland ultimately finish second in Group C rather than first, the knockout order would be reversed, and they would instead face the winner of the group currently occupied by Sweden.

England’s more complex route

England’s path to the last 32 is slightly more convoluted, despite the Three Lions remaining among the firm favourites for the tournament and widely expected to top Group L.

If England do finish as group winners, they would be drawn against the highest-ranked third-place finisher from a mini-league of Groups E, H, I, J, and K. After the opening round of fixtures, Portugal occupy that third-place box seat — which would set up a compelling rematch of the 2006 World Cup quarter-final.

That encounter in Gelsenkirchen remains one of English football’s more painful memories. Wayne Rooney was sent off for a stamp on Ricardo Carvalho, Cristiano Ronaldo famously winked at the camera following his Manchester United teammate’s dismissal, and Portugal went on to win the shootout.

With the group stage still far from settled, both nations will expect further twists before their knockout opponents are confirmed. For now, though, England and Scotland will be encouraged by what the draw could have in store.