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Who could England play in the semi-finals? Route to World Cup 2026 final
England are aiming for World Cup glory this summer, but who could they face in the tournament?
(Photo by MB Media/Getty Images)
- Ned Holmes
Published: Wednesday, 8 July 2026 at 11:40 am
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England survived the Azteca and have earned a World Cup quarter-final clash with Norway for their troubles.
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Thomas Tuchel's side head into the last eight of this summer's tournament knowing they will need to be at their best to get past Erling Haaland and co, who are flying high after dumping out Brazil in the round of 16.
Reaching the quarter-finals should be celebrated but this is not the end game for the Three Lions, who are hoping to go all the way.
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England will be taking it game by game but we've mapped it out so you don't have to and picked the most likely route based on the highest-ranked teams making it through, as well as where they will be playing.
So who could the Three Lions face in the quarter-finals? And beyond?
Radio Times looks at the most likely path England may tread if they advance through the rounds at World Cup 2026 – assuming there are no major shocks.
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Who will England play in the quarter-finals?
England will play Norway at 10pm on Saturday 11 July at Miami Stadium.
Who could England play in the semi-finals?
England will play Argentina or Switzerland at 8pm on Wednesday 15 July at Atlanta Stadium.
Who could England play in the final?
England will play Spain or France or Morocco or Belgium at 8pm on Sunday 19 July at New York New Jersey Stadium.
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Read more World Cup 2026: Watch on TV | Matches on today | Fixtures & results | Radio coverage | Stadium guide | BBC presenters | ITV presenters | Highlights
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Authors
Ned Holmes
Ned is a sports writer at RadioTimes.com. He has covered a host of sports from EFL football, international cricket and golf all the way through to bike polo and triathlon.
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