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England reach World Cup round of 32 after 2-0 victory over Panama

England secured their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stages with a 2-0 win over Panama, setting up a round of 32 clash against DR Congo. The expanded 48-team tournament features a record 104 matches across 39 days.

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England reach World Cup round of 32 after 2-0 victory over Panama
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England are through to the FIFA World Cup 2026 round of 32 after a 2-0 victory over Panama, with the Three Lions subsequently facing DR Congo in the next stage of the expanded tournament.

The 2026 edition is the largest World Cup in history, featuring 48 nations competing across a record 104 matches over 39 days. The expanded format has introduced a round of 32 ahead of the traditional last-16 stage, giving more nations a route deeper into the competition.

England’s win over Panama confirmed their progression from the group stage, and they have now faced DR Congo in the round of 32. Elsewhere in the bracket, Belgium take on Senegal, while Argentina face Cape Verde, with both fixtures scheduled in the coming days.

The tournament runs through to the final on 19 July, with the knockout rounds now fully under way across the host nations of the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

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