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England are expected to be drawn into the less harsh weather bracket if they finish second in the group stage. |
The Three Lions were drawn into a tough Group L, facing Croatia, Ghana and Panama. Despite being the favourites to finish first in the group, their lead has opened up a difficult path for Tuchel and his team in the knockout stages.
If they finish top, the Three Lions will face a third-placed team from either Ivory Coast, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Algeria or Uzbekistan in the round of 32. This seems like an easy task. But then things get tough.
England could face hosts Mexico in the last 16 at the Azteca – a place that haunted them with Diego Maradona’s handball in 1986. If they can overcome the heat and pressure here, they could face Brazil in the quarter-finals in Miami. Aside from the sweltering climate, they have never beaten the Selecao in a competitive match. If they can overcome that, Argentina will be waiting in the semi-finals. A risky scenario.
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England's potential journey with group winners (left) and runners-up (right). |
In contrast, finishing second in the group opens up a significantly smoother path, and also brings the weather advantage. Instead of travelling to the hot spots of North America, England will start the knockout stages in Toronto – one of the coolest venues in the tournament – against the runners-up in Group K, most likely Colombia.
In the round of 16, they could face Spain, who beat England in the Euro 2024 final. However, England will avoid the scorching southern American sun by playing at a closed AT&T Stadium in Dallas.
If they advance, the quarter-finals are expected to be against Belgium at Sofi Stadium in Los Angeles. The semi-finals are under cover in Dallas, with a possible clash with France. If they advance to the final, they will face Argentina at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Tuchel admits the group is difficult and challenging, but insists England are confident they will be ready when the tournament kicks off. After two missed titles under Gareth Southgate, England are desperate for a change of fortune, although the easiest path may not be to top the group.
Source: https://znews.vn/ly-do-tuyen-anh-nen-ve-nhi-o-vong-bang-world-cup-2026-post1609208.html
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