World Cup 2026: England through to last 32

England’s place in the World Cup knockout rounds has been confirmed ahead of their final group match against Panama on Saturday.

The Three Lions have four points after two matches; This means they are guaranteed at least one of the eight third-place places.

The other four teams (Sweden, Ecuador, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Paraguay) are four points above each other and four groups, including England, have not yet been completed.

Uruguay’s defeat to Spain on Saturday was the result that confirmed the Three Lions’ place in the last 32.

England made a winning start to the tournament, beating Croatia 4-2 before settling for a goalless draw with Ghana on Tuesday.

Thomas Tuchel confirmed that Reece James would miss the last match in the group due to injury, while Declan Rice could not attend training on Thursday.

James, 26, suffered a hamstring problem in Tuesday’s goalless draw against Ghana.

Meanwhile, Rice, who left Boston Stadium on Tuesday with his left calf bandaged, did not attend Thursday’s session at England’s training base in Kansas City.