England face Norway in World Cup quarter-final with Argentina or Switzerland awaiting in the semis

England’s route to the World Cup 2026 final has taken shape with the quarter-final draw confirmed, setting up a last-eight clash against Norway at Miami Stadium on Saturday, 11 July, with kick-off at 10pm BST.

Gareth Southgate’s side arrive in Miami on the back of a dramatic 3-2 victory over co-hosts Mexico in the round of 16, a result that keeps Harry Kane — currently the tournament’s joint-leading scorer with six goals — firmly in the hunt for the Golden Boot. The Three Lions will, however, be without defender Jarell Quansah, who was dismissed in the 54th minute against Mexico and must serve a one-match suspension.

Norway represent a formidable obstacle. The Scandinavians stunned Brazil 2-1 in their previous round to complete a historic run for a nation making their first World Cup appearance in 28 years. Erling Haaland leads their attack with seven goals to his name and enters the quarter-final as the outright Golden Boot frontrunner.

Should England eliminate Norway, they will face the winner of the quarter-final between defending champions Argentina and Switzerland in the semi-finals. That tie sets up a potential meeting with Lionel Messi’s side, who arrive as heavy favourites, or a Switzerland team that edged past Colombia on penalties. England’s semi-final, if they reach it, is scheduled for Wednesday, 15 July at Atalanta Stadium, with an 8pm UK kick-off.

A victory in the last four would send England to a first World Cup final since they lifted the trophy in 1966. Defeat would redirect them to the third-place play-off. The final itself takes place on Sunday, 19 July at 8pm BST at New York-New Jersey Stadium.

On the other side of the bracket, 2018 champions France face Morocco, while Euro 2024 holders Spain take on Belgium. The winners of those ties will contest the second semi-final, with France or Spain widely expected to advance, though Morocco and Belgium have both demonstrated the quality to cause an upset.