As the group stage winds down, the knockout picture for the 2026 World Cup in New Jersey begins to take shape. England sit atop Group B after beating Croatia and now eye a last‑32 clash with Portugal, who salvaged a draw against DR Congo. A win would set up a round‑of‑16 meeting with co‑hosts Mexico in Mexico City, followed by possible ties with France or Brazil and, ultimately, a semi‑final against Argentina.

Steve Clarke’s Scotland remain alive despite a loss to Morocco, needing a win over five‑time champions Brazil at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium to stay in contention. Opta’s supercomputer gives them just over 70% chance to advance as one of the best third‑placed teams. If they qualify, a daunting last‑32 showdown with Germany looms, with potential pathways through Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands and Spain before a possible final against England.

The projected brackets illustrate how a single upset can reshape the road to the trophy. England’s path forces them into hostile away environments, while Scotland faces a gauntlet that could see them eliminated early or spark a historic run. Fans now map out every possible fixture, knowing the draw will dictate which nations survive the grind to the final.