Thomas Tuchel’s side need one more win to wrap up top spot in Group K and seal their place the finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
England have not missed a major tournament since 2008 and, along with the likes of Argentina, France and Spain, will be among the favourites to lift the trophy next summer.
Here’s everything you need to know about the World Cup draw…
When is the World Cup 2026 draw?
The draw will take place in Washington on Friday, December 5 2025. It will kick off at 5pm BST from the Kennedy Center.
How to watch the World Cup 2026 draw
Live stream: The draw will be broadcast live on FIFA’s official YouTube channel.
Live blog: You can follow all the updates with Standard Sport’s live blog!
Who has already qualified?
The US, Canada, and Mexico automatically qualify as hosts. Mexico play the opening game of the tournament in Mexico City, and will be placed in Group A. Canada then open their campaign in Toronto and will be in Group B, while the USMNT are in Group D.
From Asia, Japan, South Korea, Iran, and Australia have all booked their places, while Jordan and Uzbekistan will make their World Cup debuts.
New Zealand have come through the Oceania qualifiers to earn their spot in the group stages.
Argentina, Ecuador, Brazil, Uruguay, Colombia, and Paraguay are the current South American qualifiers, while Algeria, Cape Verde, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco and Tunisia have qualified from Africa.
In Europe, there are 12 groups – with the winners of each group qualifying for the World Cup and the 12 runners-up going into play-offs with the four best-ranked UEFA Nations League group winners that have not already qualified – for four extra places.
Portugal, Switzerland and France could also book their place this week, while Croatia and Norway are all but there because of their superior goal difference.
Spain, the Netherlands and Austria are all also closing in on automatic qualification.
