England to face Scotland? World Cup knockout stage as it stands
The 2026 World Cup is entering its final group stage matches, with 32 of 48 teams set to advance to the knockout rounds. BBC Sport has provided a predictor tool to help fans navigate the complex tiebreaker rules and potential matchups, such as a possible England-Scotland clash.
Why it matters
Understanding the complex qualification permutations is essential for fans and analysts tracking the progress of national teams in a tournament with a record number of participants.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, England are set to face Cape Verde in the last 32
The report is a factual guide to tournament logistics and rules, maintaining a neutral, informative tone.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in