USA and England cannot meet in World Cup on July 4 due to bracket rules

Yahoo Sports1 min read • Latest: Jun 17, 2026, 5:18 PM

Last updated Jun 17, 2026

USA and England cannot meet in World Cup on July 4 due to bracket rules
Summary

The USA and England soccer teams will not face each other on July 4 during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The bracket structure does not allow a matchup in the Round of 32 or Round of 16. The earliest potential meeting would be in the quarterfinals on July 10, depending on both teams' advancement and group placements. Current group arrangements place the U.S. in Group D and England in Group L, preventing a July 4 clash.

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By the Numbers
  • USA and England are in different World Cup groups.
  • No Round of 32 or 16 matchup available for these teams.
  • Earliest possible game between them is July 10.
  • USA opened its tournament on June 12; England starts on June 17.
  • Bracket rules limit potential meetings based on group placements.
Latest Updates
  • 5:18 PMYahoo SportsNo, USA-England can’t play on July 4. Simple reason why the internet’s favorite World Cup fantasy won't happen
What they're saying
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Harry Kane and Christian Pulisic will have to wait until later in the tournament.

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