England and Scotland's Potential World Cup Last-32 Opponents

The group stages of the World Cup are still in their infancy, but attention is already turning to potential knockout round match-ups as fans plot their nation's route to glory. With the first matches in each group completed, the current bracket for the knockout stages is available, updating every 15 seconds during play.

England's Daunting Path

As it stands, Group L leaders England face a daunting last-32 meeting with Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal, who sit third in Group K after drawing their opening match against DR Congo. This 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, two years after doing so at the same stage of Euro 2004.

Scotland's Potential Opponent

Scotland, as leaders of Group C after their opening victory over Haiti, are on course to meet Japan, who are second in Group F following an opening draw with the Netherlands.

Other Notable Fixtures

Among other eye-catching fixtures based on the latest results, Germany would come up against Brazil, whom they thrashed 7-1 on their way to the title in 2014. Erling Haaland's Norway, top of Group I, would also meet the Netherlands—captained by Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk—currently third in Group F.

Expanded Knockout Phase

The top two teams from the 12 groups, plus the eight best third-placed nations, will advance into an expanded knockout phase that will begin with a round of 32.