With the FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage drawing to a close, attention is turning to the knockout rounds and the potential paths to the final in New Jersey. Here is how the bracket is shaping up for England and Scotland.

England's route to the final

Thomas Tuchel's England are on course to top their group following an opening victory over Croatia. Their route through the knockout stages, however, is anything but straightforward.

As things stand, England face a last-32 meeting with Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal — provided Portugal recover from their opening draw against DR Congo. A win there could set up a last-16 clash with co-hosts Mexico in Mexico City.

The path only gets harder from there. France or Brazil could await in the quarter-finals, while holders Argentina and Lionel Messi loom as potential semi-final opponents. Should England navigate all of that, Spain could stand between them and glory in the final — meaning Tuchel's side would have to defeat some of the world's finest teams to claim a first World Cup title since 1966.

Scotland fighting to stay alive

Scotland's hopes are on a knife-edge after their defeat to Morocco, but Steve Clarke's side have not yet been eliminated. Everything now rests on their final group game against five-time world champions Brazil at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami — only a win guarantees them a place in the round of 32.

As things stand, Scotland's three points would currently place them among the best third-placed teams, though the Opta Supercomputer gives their chances of progression at just above 70 percent — far from certain.

If Scotland do advance, they could face Germany in the last 32 — a formidable test by any measure. Victory there might lead to a clash with Norway or Sweden, followed by a potential quarter-final against the Netherlands.

Win that and Clarke's side could meet Spain in the semi-finals, setting up a tantalising potential final against England — a prospect that would captivate the entire island of Britain and much of the watching world.