Following their 3-0 friendly win against Wales, England could secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup when they play Latvia next week.
Thomas Tuchel’s side have been faultless in qualifying so far, winning all five of their games without conceding a goal.
As a result, they can book their place in next summer’s tournament with two games to spare, but they will need a little help from one of their rivals.
Here’s everything you need to know about how England can qualify for the 2026 World Cup, how to watch their match against Latvia and the World Cup draw:
When can England qualify for the 2026 World Cup?
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In UEFA qualifying, teams that finish top of their group will qualify directly for the World Cup, with the runners-up advancing to a play-off.
As it stands, England are top of Group K with three games remaining, seven points ahead of Albania and eight points ahead of Serbia who have a game in hand.
The Three Lions are largely expected to beat Latvia on Tuesday, October 14 and if they do, they will secure top spot – providing Serbia don’t win their next two games.
The Eagles play Albania on Saturday, October 11, before facing Andorra at the same time England are playing in Riga.
The permutations get a little complicated if Tuchel’s side don’t win, but given their recent form and the opposition, that is a very unlikely – though not impossible – scenario.
Should Serbia get the six points however, Harry Kane and co. will have to wait one more month to clinch qualification. England host Serbia on November 13 before travelling to Albania three days later.
Latvia vs England kick-off time and how to watch
England will play Latvia in World Cup qualifying on Tuesday, October 14, with kick-off at 7.45pm UK time.
The match is being held at the Daugava Stadium in Riga and will be broadcast live on ITV1 and streamed live on ITVX.
When is the draw for the 2026 World Cup?
In 2026, the World Cup is expanding from 32 teams to 48, who will be drawn into 12 groups of four.
The draw is scheduled to take place on December 5, though not every team will be known by then as UEFA and inter-continental play-offs are set to take place next March.
When is the 2026 World Cup?
For the first time ever, the World Cup is being hosted by three countries: Canada, Mexico and the United States of America, across 16 cities.
The 2026 tournament will begin on June 11 in Mexico City, with the final taking place in New Jersey on July 19.
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