Who Would England Play In Round Of 16? Potential World Cup Opponents

England entered the 2026 World Cup among the favorites to win the tournament. So far, the Harry Kane-led squad has lived up to expectations.

England emerged as the Group L winner after notching seven points in the group stage. The Three Lions earned multi-goal wins over Croatia and Panama that sandwiched a "very frustrating" goalless draw against Ghana.

Next up for England will be a date with Congo in the knockout stage. Les Leopards have advanced out of the group stage for the first time in their country's history by virtue of their first World Cup win, which came on Saturday, June 27 against Uzbekistan.

England figures to be heavily favored to beat Congo, though manager Thomas Tuchel will surely make sure his team doesn't overlook its upstart foe.

But what will be the next step in England's path to win the World Cup if the country is able to take care of business as expected against Congo? Here's what to know about the Three Lions' potential round of 16 opponents:

England potential round of 16 opponents

England would face either Mexico or Ecuador in the round of 16 if Tuchel's squad can defeat Congo.

Mexico would be a particularly tough draw for England. El Tri won each of their three group stage matches against Czechia, South Africa and South Korea without conceding a goal and will get home-field advantage for the match as one of the three co-host nations.

Ecuador would be a slightly easier test after it went 1-1-1 across its group stage matches against Curacao (win), Germany (draw) and Ivory Coast (loss) to finish in third place in Group E. Still, La Tri surrendered just two goals across those three matches, so their defense could provide England with a difficult test.

Nonetheless, England would likely be favored to beat Ecuador in a head-to-head matchup. But if the Three Lions and El Tri match up in the round of 16, that may be viewed as more of a toss-up, given Mexico's form thus far and its home-field advantage.

England round of 16 match date

England would play its round of 16 match on July 5 if it advances.

England round of 16 match time

England's round of 16 match would be played at 8 p.m. ET if it's able to beat Congo in the round of 32 and advance.

England round of 16 match location

England's round of 16 match would be played at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City – if it advances.

England has before played at Estadio Azteca during the World Cup. It lost a quarterfinal match to Diego Maradona and Argentina during the 1986 World Cup, during which Maradona netted both the "Hand of God" goal and "The Goal of the Century."

Suffice it to say the Three Lions will be looking to make more positive history at the venue if they are able to qualify for the round of 16.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Who would England play in round of 16? Potential World Cup opponents