World Cup knockout stage: how England can reach the final explained

England have qualified for the knockout stages of the World Cup by winning their group, and now face a path to the final that includes a last-32 tie against DR Congo, a potential last-16 clash with co-hosts Mexico, and beyond. The knockout stage is a single-elimination tournament where every match is do-or-die, starting with the round of 32 and progressing through the round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final. England topped Group L with seven points after beating Croatia and Panama and drawing with Ghana, securing their spot in the knockout rounds. Their reward is a tie against DR Congo, who finished third in Group K and are playing in the knockout stages for the first time in their history. DR Congo, ranked 46th in the world, have Premier League experience in players like Yoane Wissa and Aaron Wan-Bissaka. If England win, they could face Mexico in the last 16, who topped their group with a perfect record and have not lost a competitive match since November 2024. Mexico have the advantage of playing all their matches in Mexico City's Estadio Azteca, which sits at over 7,000 feet altitude, potentially causing fatigue for visiting teams. For UK readers, this World Cup knockout stage is a familiar format but with a unique twist: England are in their third major tournament final of the decade, and fans are eager to see if they can go all the way under manager Thomas Tuchel. The knockout rounds are broadcast live on UK television, with South Africa vs Canada kicking off the action on June 28.