World Cup 2026 Group L Preview: England Set to Face Croatia, Ghana, and Panama

England begin their World Cup 2026 journey in Group L against Croatia, Ghana, and Panama. Managed by Thomas Tuchel, England enter the tournament as one of the favorites. Croatia holds the strongest recent World Cup record in the group, Ghana possesses enough attacking talent to cause trouble, and Panama returns for its second World Cup appearance.

The tournament’s expanded 48-team format allows the top two teams from each group plus the eight best third-place finishers to advance. England are expected to lead Group L, with Croatia most likely to challenge that assumption.

England’s Chances

This group looks manageable for England, and anything less than topping it would be seen as underperforming given their squad depth and control. Their favoritism isn’t just based on name recognition. England won all eight UEFA qualifying matches, scoring 22 goals while conceding none. Such dominance matters since tournament success often depends on controlling the game without vulnerability.

Defensively, England’s numbers impress further when considering expected goals, conceding only 2.1 xG in qualifiers—the best in Europe. Up front, Harry Kane leads a potent attack, having netted 64 goals in 56 competitive matches for Bayern Munich during the 2025-26 season. He remains the team’s key player.

Despite some imperfections, England has the clearest path through the group.

• FIFA ranking: 4th
• Best World Cup result: Winners (1966)
• Key players: Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice

Group L Fixtures for England

• England vs Croatia, Dallas Stadium, 17 June
• England vs Ghana, Boston Stadium, 23 June
• Panama vs England, New York/New Jersey Stadium, 27 June

The opening match against Croatia is critical. Croatia’s strong World Cup pedigree could unsettle England early. A win here would let England seize control, but a slip-up would complicate the group’s outlook.

Croatia’s Profile

Croatia stands as the prime contender to join England in the knockout rounds. Their track record speaks for itself: finalists in 2018 and third place in 2022, surpassing England’s recent achievements in this tournament.

Experience is Croatia’s strength, though their aging core raises questions about sustaining the required intensity over three group games. Luka Modric remains influential, relying more on skill than speed, having completed 199 line-breaking passes across the last three World Cups—more than any other player in that timeframe. Ivan Perisic also adds firepower with 18 major tournament goal involvements for Croatia (10 goals, 8 assists).

While lacking England’s squad depth, Croatia’s familiarity with tough tournament moments gives them an edge in pressure situations.

• FIFA ranking: 11th
• Best World Cup result: Runners-up (2018)
• Key players: Luka Modric, Ivan Perisic, Josko Gvardiol, Dominik Livakovic

Croatia’s Group L Matches

• England vs Croatia, Dallas Stadium, 17 June
• Panama vs Croatia, Toronto Stadium, 23 June
• Croatia vs Ghana, Philadelphia Stadium, 27 June

The opener versus England offers Croatia a chance to shape the group’s dynamics. Even a draw would pressure England. The final game against Ghana might then prove decisive, where Croatia’s reliability under pressure could shine.

Ghana’s Threat

Ghana cannot be underestimated. Their attackers pose a real threat on the break, led by Jordan Ayew, who contributed 14 goal involvements during CAF qualifying, split evenly between goals and assists. They don’t need to dominate possession to make things difficult for Croatia or Panama.

Their defensive record is less reassuring; Ghana hasn’t kept a clean sheet in their last 10 World Cup matches. This makes Croatia a safer bet for second place. Ghana’s flair is clear, but defensive stability remains a question. Coach Carlos Queiroz brings valuable experience, yet discipline at the back must improve quickly.

• FIFA ranking: 74th
• Best World Cup result: Quarter-finals (2010)
• Key players: Jordan Ayew, Antoine Semenyo, Inaki Williams, Mohammed Kudus

Ghana’s Fixtures in Group L

• Ghana vs Panama, Toronto Stadium, 17 June
• England vs Ghana, Boston Stadium, 23 June
• Croatia vs Ghana, Philadelphia Stadium, 27 June

Winning the opening match against Panama is crucial for Ghana. Should they succeed, they remain contenders deep into the group stage. Losing points early would make progression much tougher.

Panama’s Role

Panama enters Group L as clear outsiders but not pushovers. Returning for their second World Cup, they showed resilience by avoiding defeat throughout CONCACAF qualifying. This toughness makes them harder to dismiss outright.

Panama's tactical approach is defined by high pressing and forcing turnovers. They led regional qualifying stats in high turnovers (82), pressed sequences (137), and maintained a low PPDA of 9.4. This aggressive style might disrupt opponents, especially Ghana.

• FIFA ranking: 33rd
• Best World Cup result: Group stage (2018)
• Key players: Adalberto Carrasquilla, Anibal Godoy, Jose Cordoba, Amir Murillo

Panama’s Group L Matches

• Ghana vs Panama, Toronto Stadium, 17 June
• Panama vs Croatia, Toronto Stadium, 23 June
• Panama vs England, New York/New Jersey Stadium, 27 June

The expanded tournament format offers Panama a slim chance via a third-place finish. That is their realistic target, but it demands early points to stay competitive before England and Croatia pull away.

Final Thoughts on Group L

Group L shapes up clearly. England looks set to finish first with their balanced defense, attack, and squad quality. Croatia is likely to follow, backed by experience and tournament savvy. Ghana has the talent to challenge strongly, while Panama brings organization and grit, making them tougher opponents than many expect. Still, England and Croatia remain the safest picks to advance from this group.