A glimpse at the knockout stage after the opening group matches
The World Cup group stage is only just underway, but the first round of fixtures has already set the stage for some tantalising potential last-32 encounters. With the expanded 48-team format sending the top two from each of 12 groups — plus the eight best third-placed sides — into the knockout phase, the bracket is beginning to take shape. As it stands, England are on a collision course with Portugal, while Scotland would meet Japan in the first knockout round.
The live bracket updates while group matches are in progress, meaning these projections will shift with every result. But based on the current standings, the round of 32 is already throwing up some heavyweight contests and a dose of history.
England vs Portugal: A familiar foe awaits
Group L leaders England opened their campaign with a 4-2 win over Croatia, but Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal are lurking in third place in Group K after a 1-1 draw with DR Congo. That current position would tee up a first major tournament meeting between the nations since Portugal’s penalty shoot-out victory in the 2006 World Cup quarter-finals — two years after they repeated the trick at Euro 2004.
“That would be the first meeting between the two nations at a major men's championship since Portugal beat England on penalties in the quarter-final stage of the 2006 World Cup.”
England will hope to avoid that punishment this time around, but with Bukayo Saka’s Achilles issue limiting his minutes — Thomas Tuchel has indicated the winger is unlikely to start until the final group game against Panama — the Three Lions will need to find their rhythm without one of their key men. The prospect of a knockout clash with Portugal, however, is sure to sharpen focus.
Scotland’s route: Japan test on the horizon
Scotland sit atop Group C after a nervy 1-0 victory over Haiti, a result that has them on course for a last-32 meeting with Japan. The Samurai Blue are second in Group F after an opening draw with the Netherlands, a side captained by Virgil van Dijk.
Steve Clarke’s side are no strangers to the underdog tag, and the manager believes it could serve them well as the tournament progresses.
“Sometimes the Scottish mentality is that we're a little more comfortable when we're the underdogs,” Clarke said. “We were the favourites against Haiti and we found that game difficult. This time we're not the favourites.”
A clash with Japan — a technically gifted and well-organised outfit — would be a stern test, but one Scotland will fancy if they can replicate the resilience that earned them three points against Haiti.
Other eye-catching projected ties
The bracket doesn't stop there. Germany, who thrashed Brazil 7-1 in the 2014 semi-finals, would face the Seleção once again in a rematch dripping with narrative. Meanwhile, Erling Haaland's Norway — top of Group I — are on course to meet the Netherlands, pitting one of Europe’s most lethal strikers against Van Dijk’s formidable backline.
With the group stage still in its infancy, these matchups are far from set in stone. But as the tournament unfolds, the live bracket — updated every 15 seconds — will keep fans guessing until the final whistles blow.
Key Takeaways
- England vs Portugal: A potential first major tournament meeting since 2006, with Cristiano Ronaldo again in the spotlight.
- Scotland’s momentum: A win over Haiti has them topping Group C and eyeing a winnable tie against Japan — if they can maintain their underdog edge.
- History in the making: Germany vs Brazil would be their first World Cup clash since the 7-1 demolition, while Haaland vs Van Dijk is a mouth-watering individual duel.
- Format reminder: The top two from each group plus eight best third-placed teams advance to the last 32, meaning the bracket remains fluid.
All projections are based on current group standings and will change as results come in.
Quick Facts
Potential Last-32 Fixture: England vs Portugal
Current England Group: L (leaders, 3 pts)
Current Portugal Group: K (3rd, 1 pt)
Potential Scotland Fixture: Japan
Current Scotland Group: C (leaders, 3 pts)
Other Notable Tie: Germany vs Brazil, Norway vs Netherlands
Next England Match: vs Ghana, 20 June
Next Scotland Match: vs Morocco, 19 June