Rob Dorsett analyzes England’s potential round of 32 opponents Portugal and Senegal

England is through to the round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the question now is who they meet next. According to Sky Sports News football correspondent Rob Dorsett, the two names to watch are Portugal and Senegal.

Dorsett, who has spent over two decades covering England at major tournaments, laid out the bracket scenarios that could put either of those sides in England’s path depending on how final group standings shake out.

The two paths England could face

Senegal is the less glamorous name on paper, but context matters here. England recently lost a friendly to Senegal, a result that should temper any assumptions about a comfortable evening if the two meet in the round of 32.

The actual matchup depends on where each team finishes in their respective groups. Group stage results are still playing out, and final standings will determine the bracket alignment. Dorsett’s reporting suggests both scenarios are live possibilities as of June 27, 2026.

Thomas Tuchel’s England comes into the knockout rounds with a record of five wins from six matches since he took charge in January 2026.

Tuchel’s England and the logistics problem

Tuchel was appointed as England head coach in January 2026, making this his first major tournament in charge of the national side. Five wins from six matches is the kind of return that earns goodwill, and England has qualified for the round of 32.

The 2026 World Cup, hosted across Canada, Mexico, and the United States, compresses the schedule in ways that previous tournaments did not. Between the final group stage match and the round of 32, there are as few as three days for players to recover.

What this means for England’s World Cup chances

The friendly defeat to Senegal is a quiet warning that this squad is not untouchable, even against opponents who would be considered the easier draw.

The broader context of the 2026 tournament adds another layer. A 48-team World Cup with games spread across three countries means the logistical and physical demands are unlike anything England has faced in previous editions.

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