Brazil could face England or Mexico in the quarterfinals
England secured their place in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup with a dramatic victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo. As a result, Brazil, which faces Norway, could face the English or Mexico in the quarterfinals.
England had to struggle, but secured their place in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup. With two goals from Harry Kane, the English team turned the game around and beat the Democratic Republic of Congo 2-1 at the Atlanta Stadium, and will now face the tournament hosts, Mexico. Whoever wins this match will be the Brazilian team's opponent in the quarterfinals, if Brazil advances in the tournament. England's qualifying was full of drama. The Democratic Republic of Congo opened the scoring at the start of the first half with a goal from Cipenga, forcing England to chase the result (and breaking their poor statistics in the first half). Relief only came in the second stage, when top scorer and captain Harry Kane scored twice to confirm classification. In addition to the relief of advancing, the victory also ended an uncomfortable historical sequence: England had not won a World Cup match from behind since the 1990 edition, when they beat Cameroon in extra time. With England and Mexico advancing (Mexico eliminated Ecuador 2-0 on Tuesday), the quarter-final bracket is now set. The World Cup's "Super Wednesday" produced the following scenario:
- Round of 16: Brazil will face Norway next Sunday (5).
- Quarter-finals: If they advance, the Brazilian team will face the winner of England x Mexico.
England's round of 16 clash will now face the challenge of facing one of the host nations on one of the biggest stages in world football:
- Game: England x Mexico
- Date: Sunday, July 5, 2026
- Time: 9pm (Brasília time) — right after the end of Brazil’s match.