England face Brazil and Argentina route to World Cup final if they beat Mexico

England’s route to a potential World Cup final has come into focus, with Brazil and Argentina emerging as the most likely obstacles after the round of 32 concluded. Thomas Tuchel’s side must first overcome Mexico in the last-16, but victories for both South American giants in their upcoming knockout ties would set up a quarter-final against Brazil and a semi-final against the holders.

Argentina advanced to the last-16 in dramatic fashion, requiring extra time to see off Cape Verde. Lionel Messi opened the scoring before Deroy Duarte equalised, and Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez thought he had won it — only for Sidny Cabral to find the top corner with a stunning strike. Cristian Romero ultimately headed home the decisive goal midway through the second half of extra time to send Lionel Scaloni’s side through.

Argentina will now face Egypt, who beat Australia on penalties, in the last-16. Should they progress, Messi and company would then need to get past either Switzerland or Colombia before a potential semi-final meeting with England.

Colombia secured their place in the last-16 with a 1-0 win over Ghana, Jhon Arias scoring inside the opening 15 minutes. Switzerland, meanwhile, advanced comfortably with a 2-0 victory over Algeria. The winner of that last-16 tie will face Argentina or Egypt in the quarter-finals.

Brazil also came through on England’s side of the bracket, beating Japan with a very late goal, while Norway defeated Ivory Coast in similarly tight circumstances. Both sides are now on a collision course with England should Tuchel’s team progress.

Elsewhere in the draw, France face Paraguay, Morocco take on co-host Canada, Spain and Portugal meet in what shapes up as the standout tie of the round, and the United States face Belgium. Didier Deschamps’ France remain clear favourites to reach the final, with Argentina considered their most likely opponents — though Cape Verde’s performance raised questions about the holders’ vulnerabilities.

For England, the bracket represents a formidable but navigable path — provided they can first deal with Mexico.