England round of 32 opponents as it stands and confirmed World Cup ties | Football

Thomas Tuchel adjusts his cap at England training

Thomas Tuchel is one day closer to finding out who England will play vs in the World Cup round of 32 (Image: Eddie Keogh – The FA, The FA via Getty Images)

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England have secured their place in the World Cup round of 32 after guaranteeing at least one of the eight third-placed qualification spots. Spain‘s victory over Uruguay clinched the Three Lions‘ passage to the next stage, while further denting Scotland‘s already slim hopes of joining them.

The confirmation arrives ahead of Thomas Tuchel‘s side taking on Panama in their final group stage fixture on Saturday (10pm UK time). England sit top of Group L on four points, following their win over Croatia and a goalless draw with Ghana, but finishing first or second is far from guaranteed, with the final group standings only being confirmed once both remaining matches have been played.

To retain top spot, England must match Ghana’s result while ensuring the Black Stars’ winning margin is no more than two goals greater than England’s against Panama. Should Croatia win or draw, the Three Lions need to replicate that result.

Panama have lost both of their opening matches, though by just a single goal each time. Outside of England’s six-goal opening thriller, a mere two goals have been scored across the other three group fixtures.

Tuchel’s men will be eager to rediscover their attacking prowess and put the Ghana question firmly to rest. Panama, however, have demonstrated they are no easy opposition.

Nor will their round of 32 opponents prove straightforward — currently Senegal await them. Topping the group would take England to Atlanta, while finishing second would pit them against Portugal in Toronto. They are at least guaranteed a trip to Kansas City, where they could face Colombia.

Anthony Gordon, Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Kane

England have to secure their position in Group L first, and then wait to find out who they will play (Image: Getty)

England will know for certain once Saturday’s fixtures have concluded, which will run into the early hours of Sunday morning BST. Several nations have already learned their opponents in the knockout stage. Co-hosts Canada will open their round of 32 campaign against South Africa in Los Angeles.

Brazil are next up, taking on Japan, while fellow South American side Paraguay must contend with Germany. The Netherlands have also progressed, with Morocco standing in their way, as the Africa versus Europe theme continues with the Ivory Coast squaring off against Norway.

France versus Sweden is currently the only confirmed clash between two sides from the same confederation. Mexico, meanwhile, appear set to face familiar opposition from their Copa America exploits, as things stand, they will meet Ecuador.

Belgium are currently scheduled to face Belgium, while co-hosts the United States know that Bosnia and Herzegovina await them. Austria versus Spain could shape up as another all-European encounter, provided the former retains second place.

Ghana against Portugal is another fixture pencilled in, though neither side are guaranteed to contest that tie in Toronto. Australia meet Egypt for a place in the round of 16, while world champions Argentina take on Cape Verde.

All of the World Cup round of 32 ties as it stands