Who could England and Scotland play in World Cup last 32?

John McGinn does his 'glasses' celebration. Jude Bellingham holds his hands on his cheeks — Scotland and England have a high chance of progressing to the knockout stages, but who will they face? (Image credit: Getty Images)

England and Scotland have enjoyed flying starts to their World Cup campaigns.

Both England and Scotland are currently on course to reach the World Cup's Round of 32 after morale-boosting victories in their respective opening group fixtures.

Thomas Tuchel's side got off to the best possible opening with a 4-2 dismantling of Croatia while the Tartan Army sealed an historic 1-0 win over Haiti in Boston.

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England and Scotland's World Cup knockout paths emerge

With both the Three Lions and Steve Clarke's charges riding high in their respective group standings, fans are already dreaming of a potential place in the Round of 32.

But who could they each face in the first knockout stage?

Fans of Scotland celebrate as John McGinn (not pictured) of Scotland scores his team's first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C match between Haiti and Scotland at Boston Stadium — Scotland midfielder John McGinn (Image credit: Getty Images)

As things stand, Scotland's prospective opponents will come from the runner-up from Group F which would be Japan following their 2-2 draw with the Netherlands.

However if they were to ultimately finish second in Group C then their knockout order would be reversed to the winner of the other group currently occupied by Sweden.

England's path, meanwhile, is a little more convoluted despite remaining among the firm favourites for this summer's World Cup and widely expected to top their group.

Were that to happen, the Group L winners would be drawn against the highest-ranked third team to qualify from a mini-league between Groups E, H, I, J and K.

After the opening round of fixtures, Portugal are in that particular box seat which would set up a rematch of the 2006 quarter-final with a certain Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ronaldo and England have unfinished World Cup business (Image credit: Getty Images)

England memorably crashed out of that last eight stage on penalties after Wayne Rooney was sent off for a stamp on Premier League rival Ricardo Carvalho.

Ronaldo infamously winked following the dismissal of his Manchester United sparring partner in Gelsenkirchen before the Selecao went on to win the shootout.

There will still likely be more twists and turns before the group phase runs its course, but for now, the home nations will fancy their chances in the tournament's last-32.

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