England's path through the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout rounds remains uncertain after they could only manage a 0-0 draw against Ghana in Boston, leaving both teams on four points heading into their final group fixtures in Group L.

England currently sit top of the group by a single goal on goal difference, but that slender advantage means nothing is settled. The Three Lions face already-eliminated Panama in New Jersey on Saturday at 10pm BST, while Ghana take on Croatia simultaneously in Philadelphia.

What happens if England finish second?

England will secure top spot in Group L if they beat Panama — unless Ghana defeat Croatia by a margin at least two goals greater than England's winning margin. A 1-0 England win combined with a 3-0 Ghana victory, for example, would send Ghana through in first place on goal difference.

Should Thomas Tuchel's side finish as Group L runners-up, their knockout journey would shift significantly. Their round-of-32 fixture would fall at midnight BST on Friday, 3 July in Toronto, against the Group K runners-up. As things stand, that opponent would be Portugal — a side packed with Premier League talent including Bruno Fernandes and Ruben Dias, alongside Cristiano Ronaldo.

A win there would set up a round-of-16 clash in Dallas on Monday, 6 July at 8pm BST — the same city where England beat Croatia 4-2 in their group opener. The likely opponents at that stage would be either the Group H winners or the Group J runners-up, currently Spain and Austria respectively. It is worth noting that Spain beat England in the Euro 2024 final.

A potential quarter-final in Los Angeles

If England advance to the quarter-finals as group runners-up, they would travel to Los Angeles for an 8pm BST kick-off on Friday, 10 July. Potential opponents at that stage include the winners of Group D and Group G. Co-hosts United States have already clinched first place in Group D, while Egypt lead Group G and will finish top if they beat Iran in their final group game.

The semi-finals would take place in Dallas on Tuesday, 14 July for the Group L runners-up route — with France, Germany, and the Netherlands all possible opponents at that stage.

Whatever route England take, the final kicks off at 8pm BST on Sunday, 19 July in New Jersey. For England fans planning travel across North America, Saturday's result against Panama will be decisive in mapping out the itinerary ahead.