Multiple reports from Sky Sports preview the possible matchups in the knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup, timed ahead of the tournament’s final group games. The coverage lays out how teams could face each other in the last-16, depending on where they finish in their respective groups. It also frames the knockout stage as a “route to the final,” showing how early results can shape later fixtures through to the tournament’s final in New Jersey.
One suggested set of marquee possibilities highlighted includes potential last-16 pairings such as England vs Portugal and Germany vs Scotland. The articles emphasize that these are conditional fixtures—set by the bracket structure—rather than confirmed results, with the exact opponents determined by final group standings. Overall, the sources provide a comprehensive look at the range of knockout scenarios supporters might see once group play concludes and teams enter the elimination phase.
