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2026 FIFA World Cup Group L

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Group L of the 2026 FIFA World Cup took place from June 17 to 27, 2026.[1] The group consisted of England, Croatia, Ghana, and Panama.

England finished as group leaders, with Croatia finishing as runners-up after crucial victories against Panama and Ghana in their subsequent two group games. Thus, both teams advanced to the round of 32.

Ghana finished in third place, and were able to advance as one of the top eight third-place teams. Panama lost all three group games without scoring a goal, thus making them the first national team to not score in a World Cup[2] since Honduras in 2010.

Additionally, it was England’s first World Cup ever played on U.S. soil after missing out the 1994 edition.[3]

Teams

[edit]
Draw position Team Pot Confederation Method of
qualification		 Date of
qualification		 Finals
appearance		 Last
appearance		 Previous best
performance		 FIFA Rankings[4][5]
November 2025[nb 1] June 2026
L1 England1UEFAUEFA Group K winnerOctober 14, 202517th2022Winner (1966)44
L2 Croatia2UEFAUEFA Group L winnerNovember 14, 20257th2022Runner-up (2018)1011
L3 Ghana4CAFCAF Group I winnerOctober 12, 20255th2022Quarterfinals (2010)7273
L4 Panama3CONCACAFCONCACAF Group A winnerNovember 18, 20252nd2018Group stage (2018)3034

Notes

  1. ↑ The rankings of November 2025 were used for seeding for the final draw.[6]

Standings

[edit]
Pos Team
 Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification
1  England 3 2 1 0 6 2 +4 7 Advance to knockout stage
2  Croatia 3 2 0 1 5 5 0 6
3  Ghana 3 1 1 1 2 2 0 4
4  Panama 3 0 0 3 0 4 −4 0
Source: FIFA
Rules for classification: Group stage tiebreakers

In the round of 32:[2]

Matches

[edit]

All times listed are local.[1]

England vs Croatia

[edit]

The teams had previously met in eleven previous matches, including a 2–1 semi-final win in 2018 for Croatia to advance to their first final.[7] Their most recent meeting was in the UEFA Euro 2020 group stage, with England winning 1–0.[8]

In the 12th minute, England were awarded a penalty after Luka Modric fouled Noni Madueke with a kick inside the penalty area. Harry Kane took the penalty which was saved down low to his left by Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Livaković. The penalty had to be re-taken as Livaković was judged to have moved off his line before it was kicked, Kane again took the penalty and scored into the right of the net to put England into a 1–0 lead. In the 36th minute Martin Baturina made it 1–1 with a right foot shot to the top left corner of the net from outside the penalty area on the right which England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford got a hand to but couldn't prevent from going into the net. In the 42nd minute, England went back in front when Kane headed to the left of the net after making a run to meet a corner from the right by Declan Rice. With his second goal, Kane equalled Gary Lineker’s goals record for England at the World Cup with 10 goals.[9] Five minutes later it was 2–2 when Petar Musa fired to the net from the left inside the penalty area after a header back to him from Ivan Perišić.[10]

England went back in front, two minutes into the second half when Jude Bellingham received the ball on the right before cutting in and shooting right footed low to the left corner of the net from the right of the penalty area. It was 4–2 in the 85th minute when substitute Marcus Rashford received the ball on the left of the penalty area before cutting in on his right foot and shooting low to the right corner of the net.[11]

England 4–2 Croatia
 [Report 1]
Attendance: 70,389
England[12]
Croatia[12]
GK1Jordan Pickford
RB24Reece James
CB2Ezri Konsa
CB5John Stonesdownward-facing red arrow 87'
LB3Nico O'Reilly
CM8Elliot Anderson
CM4Declan Ricedownward-facing red arrow 72'
RW20Noni Maduekedownward-facing red arrow 72'
AM10Jude Bellinghamdownward-facing red arrow 80'
LW18Anthony Gordondownward-facing red arrow 72'
CF9Harry Kane (c)
Substitutions:
MF17Morgan Rogersupward-facing green arrow 72'
FW7Bukayo Sakaupward-facing green arrow 72'
FW11Marcus Rashfordupward-facing green arrow 72'
DF25Djed Spenceupward-facing green arrow 80'
DF6Marc Guéhiupward-facing green arrow 87'
Manager:
Germany Thomas Tuchel
GK1Dominik Livaković
CB6Josip Šutalo
CB22Luka Vuškovićdownward-facing red arrow 66'
CB4Joško Gvardiol
RM2Josip Stanišić
CM10Luka Modrić (c)downward-facing red arrow 58'
CM15Mario Pašalićdownward-facing red arrow 78'
LM14Ivan Perišić
RF17Petar Sučić
CF26Petar Musadownward-facing red arrow 66'
LF16Martin Baturinadownward-facing red arrow 78'
Substitutions:
MF8Mateo Kovačićupward-facing green arrow 58'
FW24Marco Pašalićupward-facing green arrow 66'
FW20Igor Matanovićupward-facing green arrow 66'
FW9Andrej Kramarićupward-facing green arrow 78'
MF13Nikola Vlašićupward-facing green arrow 78'
Manager:
Zlatko Dalić

Man of the Match:
Harry Kane (England)[13]

Assistant referees:[12]
Nicolas Danos (France)
Benjamin Pagès (France)
Fourth official:
Katia Itzel García (Mexico)
Reserve assistant referee:
Sandra Ramírez (Mexico)
Video assistant referee:
Jérôme Brisard (France)
Assistant video assistant referee:
Willy Delajod (France)
Support video assistant referee:
Fedayi San (Switzerland)

Ghana vs Panama

[edit]

The two teams had never met before.

In the 95th minute, Caleb Yirenkyi got the winning goal with a close range finish after a low cross by Brandon Thomas-Asante from the left, securing a 1–0 win and becoming the second-youngest player to score for Ghana at a World Cup behind Haminu Draman.[14][15] The 95th minute strike was also Ghana's latest ever goal scored in regulation time at a World Cup.[15]

Ghana 1–0 Panama
 [Report 2]
Attendance: 42,942
Referee: Glenn Nyberg (Sweden)
Ghana[16]
Panama[16]
GK1Lawrence Ati-Zigidownward-facing red arrow 46'
RB26Marvin Senaya
CB4Jonas Adjetey
CB18Jerome Opoku
LB14Gideon Mensah
DM15Elisha Owusudownward-facing red arrow 78'
CM3Caleb YirenkyiYellow card 16'
CM22Kamaldeen Sulemanadownward-facing red arrow 58'
RF24Ernest Nuamahdownward-facing red arrow 58'
CF9Jordan Ayew (c)downward-facing red arrow 87'
LF11Antoine Semenyo
Substitutions:
GK16Benjamin Asareupward-facing green arrow 46'
MF7Abdul Fatawuupward-facing green arrow 58'
FW10Brandon Thomas-Asanteupward-facing green arrow 58'
MF8Kwasi Siboupward-facing green arrow 78'
FW25Prince Kwabena Aduupward-facing green arrow 87'
Manager:
Portugal Carlos Queiroz
GK22Orlando Mosquera
CB13Jiovany Ramos
CB3José Córdoba
CB16Andrés Andrade
RM23Michael Amir Murillo
CM14Carlos HarveyYellow card 90+9'
CM11Yoel Bárcenas (c)
LM2César BlackmanYellow card 72'downward-facing red arrow 90'
RF6Cristian Martínezdownward-facing red arrow 63'
CF18Cecilio Watermandownward-facing red arrow 63'
LF7José Luis Rodríguezdownward-facing red arrow 74'
Substitutions:
FW17José Fajardoupward-facing green arrow 63'
FW24Azarias Londoñoupward-facing green arrow 63'
MF10Ismael Díazupward-facing green arrow 74'
MF20Aníbal Godoyupward-facing green arrow 90'
Manager:
Spain Thomas Christiansen

Man of the Match:
Antoine Semenyo (Ghana)[13]

Assistant referees:[16]
Mahbod Beigi (Sweden)
Andreas Söderkvist (Sweden)
Fourth official:
Khalid Al-Turais (Saudi Arabia)
Reserve assistant referee:
Mohammed Al-Bakry (Saudi Arabia)
Video assistant referee:
Bram Van Driessche [nl] (Belgium)
Assistant video assistant referee:
Marco Di Bello (Italy)
Support video assistant referee:
Bastian Dankert (Germany)

England vs Ghana

[edit]
During the match between England and Ghana

England had previously faced Ghana only once, a 1–1 friendly draw in 2011.[17]

In a game of few chances, in the 66th minute Jordan Pickford collided with Prince Kwabena Adu outside the penalty area with a free awarded to Pickford.[18]

In the 78th minute Ghana had a potential penalty not awarded, Ezri Konsa dived in to challenge Prince Kwabena Adu in the penalty area, bringing him down without making any contact with the ball.[19][20] Bukayo Saka had a low shot from the right saved by Ghana goalkeeper Benjamin Asare. Nico O'Reilly also headed against the bar from six yards out after a cross from Marcus Rashford from the right with Harry Kane shooting the rebound over the bar, with the match finishing 0–0.

England 0–0 Ghana
[Report 3]
Attendance: 63,983
England[21]
Ghana[21]
GK1Jordan Pickford
RB24Reece James
CB2Ezri Konsa
CB6Marc Guéhi
LB25Djed Spencedownward-facing red arrow 65'
CM8Elliot Andersondownward-facing red arrow 74'
CM4Declan RiceYellow card 41'
RW20Noni Maduekedownward-facing red arrow 83'
AM10Jude Bellinghamdownward-facing red arrow 74'
LW18Anthony Gordondownward-facing red arrow 65'
CF9Harry Kane (c)
Substitutions:
FW7Bukayo Sakaupward-facing green arrow 65'
DF3Nico O'Reillyupward-facing green arrow 65'
MF21Eberechi Ezeupward-facing green arrow 74'
MF17Morgan Rogersupward-facing green arrow 74'
FW11Marcus Rashfordupward-facing green arrow 83'
Manager:
Germany Thomas Tuchel
GK16Benjamin Asare
RB26Marvin Senayadownward-facing red arrow 87'
CB4Jonas Adjetey
CB18Jerome Opoku
LB14Gideon Mensah
RM19Iñaki WilliamsYellow card 60'downward-facing red arrow 66'
CM3Caleb Yirenkyi
CM5Thomas Partey
LM8Kwasi Sibo
CF9Jordan Ayew (c)downward-facing red arrow 66'
CF11Antoine Semenyo
Substitutions:
MF7Abdul Fatawuupward-facing green arrow 66'
FW25Prince Kwabena Aduupward-facing green arrow 66'downward-facing red arrow 90+5'
DF21Kojo Peprah Oppongupward-facing green arrow 87'
DF17Abdul Rahman Babaupward-facing green arrow 90+5'
Manager:
Portugal Carlos Queiroz

Man of the Match:
Jude Bellingham (England)[13]

Assistant referees:[21]
Walter López (Honduras)
Christian Ramírez (Honduras)
Fourth official:
Ma Ning (China)
Reserve assistant referee:
Zhou Fei (China)
Video assistant referee:
Armando Villarreal (United States)
Assistant video assistant referee:
Erick Miranda (Mexico)
Support video assistant referee:
Abdullah Al-Shehri [nl] (Saudi Arabia)

Panama vs Croatia

[edit]

The two teams had never met before.

Luka Modrić made his 200th appearance for Croatia in his fifth World Cup, becoming the fourth player to reach that number.

In the 54th minute, Ante Budimir scored the only goal of the game for Croatia when he finished at the back post from five yards out after a low cross from Josip Stanišić on the right.[22] With this defeat, Panama were eliminated from the tournament.

Panama 0–1 Croatia
[Report 4]
Attendance: 43,036
Referee: Pierre Atcho (Gabon)
Panama[23]
Croatia[23]
GK22Orlando Mosquera
CB13Jiovany Ramosdownward-facing red arrow 77'
CB3José Córdoba
CB16Andrés Andrade
RM23Michael Amir Murillo
CM14Carlos Harvey
CM11Yoel Bárcenas (c)Yellow card 61'downward-facing red arrow 90'
LM2César Blackmandownward-facing red arrow 90'
RF6Cristian Martínez
CF17José Fajardodownward-facing red arrow 83'
LF7José Luis Rodríguez
Substitutions:
FW18Cecilio Watermanupward-facing green arrow 77'
FW24Azarias Londoñoupward-facing green arrow 83'
DF15Eric Davisupward-facing green arrow 90'
FW9Tomás Rodríguezupward-facing green arrow 90'
Manager:
Spain Thomas Christiansen
GK1Dominik Livaković
RB2Josip Stanišić
CB6Josip Šutalo
CB3Marin Pongračić
LB4Joško Gvardioldownward-facing red arrow 46'
CM10Luka Modrić (c)downward-facing red arrow 81'
CM8Mateo Kovačićdownward-facing red arrow 72'
RW24Marco Pašalićdownward-facing red arrow 72'
AM16Martin Baturina
LW14Ivan Perišić
CF26Petar Musadownward-facing red arrow 46'
Substitutions:
FW11Ante Budimirupward-facing green arrow 46'
FW9Andrej Kramarićupward-facing green arrow 46'
MF21Luka Sučićupward-facing green arrow 72'
MF17Petar SučićYellow card 90+2'upward-facing green arrow 72'
MF15Mario Pašalićupward-facing green arrow 81'
Manager:
Zlatko Dalić

Man of the Match:
Cristian Martínez (Panama)[13]

Assistant referees:[23]
Boris Ditsoga (Gabon)
Amos Abeigne Ndong (Gabon)
Fourth official:
Khalid Al-Turais (Saudi Arabia)
Reserve assistant referee:
Mohammed Al-Bakry (Saudi Arabia)
Video assistant referee:
Nicolás Gallo (Colombia)
Assistant video assistant referee:
Fu Ming (China)
Support video assistant referee:
Bastian Dankert (Germany)

Panama vs England

[edit]

The teams had only met once before, when England defeated debutant Panama 6–1 in a group stage match of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.[24]

With three additional defeats, Panama now has six overall losses from its two World Cup appearances, remaining winless in its return after 8 years, and left the tournament as the only team that failed to score a goal.

Panama 0–2 England
[Report 5]
Attendance: 80,663
Panama[25]
England[25]
GK22Orlando Mosquera
CB4Fidel Escobar
CB3José Córdoba
CB16Andrés AndradeYellow card 83'
RM23Michael Amir Murillo
CM14Carlos Harveydownward-facing red arrow 88'
CM11Yoel Bárcenas (c)downward-facing red arrow 71'
LM26Jorge Gutiérrezdownward-facing red arrow 88'
RF6Cristian Martínez
CF9Tomás Rodríguezdownward-facing red arrow 46'
LF7José Luis Rodríguezdownward-facing red arrow 71'
Substitutions:
FW17José FajardoYellow card 53'upward-facing green arrow 46'
MF10Ismael Díazupward-facing green arrow 71'
FW24Azarias Londoñoupward-facing green arrow 71'
MF19Alberto Quinteroupward-facing green arrow 88'
DF15Eric Davisupward-facing green arrow 88'
Manager:
Spain Thomas Christiansen
GK1Jordan Pickford
RB26Jarell QuansahYellow card 60'downward-facing red arrow 63'
CB2Ezri Konsa
CB6Marc Guéhi
LB3Nico O'Reilly
CM8Elliot Andersondownward-facing red arrow 84'
CM10Jude Bellinghamdownward-facing red arrow 71'
RW7Bukayo Sakadownward-facing red arrow 63'
AM17Morgan Rogers
LW11Marcus Rashford
CF9Harry Kane (c)downward-facing red arrow 84'
Substitutions:
DF25Djed Spenceupward-facing green arrow 63'
FW20Noni Maduekeupward-facing green arrow 63'
MF21Eberechi Ezeupward-facing green arrow 71'
FW19Ollie Watkinsupward-facing green arrow 84'
MF14Jordan Hendersonupward-facing green arrow 84'
Manager:
Germany Thomas Tuchel

Man of the Match:
Jude Bellingham (England)[13]

Assistant referees:[25]
Taleb Al-Marri (Qatar)
Saud Al-Maqaleh (Qatar)
Fourth official:
Sandro Schärer (Switzerland)
Reserve assistant referee:
Stéphane De Almeida (Switzerland)
Video assistant referee:
Juan Lara [de] (Chile)
Assistant video assistant referee:
Khamis Al-Marri (Qatar)
Support video assistant referee:
Abdullah Al-Shehri [nl] (Saudi Arabia)

Croatia vs Ghana

[edit]

The two teams had never met before.

With Croatia's 2–1 win, this meant that both teams advanced to the round of 32, with Croatia facing off Portugal and Ghana up against Colombia.

Croatia 2–1 Ghana
 [Report 6]
Attendance: 68,324
Referee: Drew Fischer (Canada)
Croatia[26]
Ghana[26]
GK1Dominik Livaković
RB2Josip Stanišić
CB6Josip Šutalo
CB3Marin Pongračić
LB14Ivan PerišićYellow card 68'
CM10Luka Modrić (c)
CM8Mateo Kovačićdownward-facing red arrow 78'
RW17Petar Sučić
AM13Nikola Vlašićdownward-facing red arrow 88'
LW16Martin Baturinadownward-facing red arrow 88'
CF11Ante Budimirdownward-facing red arrow 66'
Substitutions:
FW20Igor Matanovićupward-facing green arrow 66'
MF15Mario Pašalićupward-facing green arrow 78'
DF4Joško Gvardiolupward-facing green arrow 88'
FW24Marco Pašalićupward-facing green arrow 88'
Manager:
Zlatko Dalić
GK16Benjamin Asare
RB26Marvin Senaya
CB4Jonas Adjeteydownward-facing red arrow 46'
CB23Derrick Luckassen
LB14Gideon Mensah
DM5Thomas Partey
CM15Elisha Owusudownward-facing red arrow 46'
CM8Kwasi Sibodownward-facing red arrow 85'
RF11Antoine Semenyo
CF9Jordan Ayew (c)downward-facing red arrow 71'
LF22Kamaldeen Sulemanadownward-facing red arrow 71'
Substitutions:
DF21Kojo Peprah OppongYellow card 90+4'upward-facing green arrow 46'
MF7Abdul Fatawuupward-facing green arrow 46'
FW10Brandon Thomas-Asanteupward-facing green arrow 71'
FW24Ernest Nuamahupward-facing green arrow 71'
MF3Caleb Yirenkyiupward-facing green arrow 85'
Manager:
Portugal Carlos Queiroz

Man of the Match:
Petar Sučić (Croatia)[13]

Assistant referees:[26]
Micheal Barwegen (Canada)
Lyes Arfa (Canada)
Fourth official:
Campbell-Kirk Kawana-Waugh (New Zealand)
Reserve assistant referee:
Isaac Trevis (New Zealand)
Video assistant referee:
Guillermo Pacheco (Mexico)
Assistant video assistant referee:
Rodolpho Toski (Brazil)
Support video assistant referee:
Tomasz Kwiatkowski [pl] (Poland)

Discipline

[edit]

The team conduct ("fair play") score would have been used as a tiebreaker if the head-to-head and overall records of teams were tied. It would also be used as a tiebreaker for the third-place ranking between groups if the overall records of teams were tied. The score was calculated based on yellow and red cards received by players and team officials in all group matches as follows:[2]

  • yellow card: −1 point;
  • indirect red card (second yellow card): −3 points;
  • direct red card: −4 points;
  • yellow card and direct red card: −5 points;

Only one of the above deductions could be applied to a player or team official in a single match.

Team Match 1 Match 2 Match 3 Score
Yellow card Yellow card Yellow-red card Red card Yellow card Red card Yellow card Yellow card Yellow-red card Red card Yellow card Red card Yellow card Yellow card Yellow-red card Red card Yellow card Red card
 England 1 1 –2
 Croatia 1 1 –2
 Ghana 1 1 1 −3
 Panama 2 1 2 −5

References

[edit]
  1. 1 2 "FIFA World Cup 26 – Match Schedule" (PDF). FIFA. February 4, 2024. Retrieved February 4, 2024.
  2. 1 2 3 "FIFA World Cup 2026 Regulations" (PDF). FIFA. May 2025. Archived (PDF) from the original on June 23, 2025. Retrieved June 7, 2025.
  3. ↑ Hopkins, Jessica (October 14, 2025). "England qualify for the 2026 World Cup: Who could they play and when is the draw?". The Athletic. Retrieved October 14, 2025.
  4. ↑ "FIFA/Coca-Cola Men's World Ranking (19 November 2025)". FIFA. November 19, 2025. Retrieved November 22, 2025.
  5. ↑ "FIFA/Coca-Cola Men's World Ranking (11 June 2026)". FIFA. June 11, 2026. Retrieved June 11, 2026.
  6. ↑ "Draw Procedures for the FIFA World Cup 2026" (PDF). FIFA. November 25, 2025. Retrieved November 25, 2025.
  7. ↑ "England vs. Croatia Head-to-Head in the World Cups". The Soccer World Cups. Retrieved December 6, 2025.
  8. ↑ "England national football team: record v Croatia". 11v11.com. Retrieved December 6, 2025.
  9. ↑ "Harry Kane equals all-time England World Cup record after first-half double against Croatia". The Independent. June 17, 2026. Retrieved June 18, 2026.
  10. ↑ "England surge to thrilling opening win in World Cup cracker with Croatia". Guardian. June 17, 2026. Retrieved June 18, 2026.
  11. ↑ "England 4 Croatia 2". BBC Sport. June 17, 2026. Retrieved June 18, 2026.
  12. 1 2 3 "Tactical Line-up – Group L – England v. Croatia" (PDF). FIFA. June 17, 2026. Retrieved June 17, 2026.
  13. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match – every winner". FIFA. June 17, 2026. Retrieved June 17, 2026.
  14. ↑ Rindl, Joe (June 17, 2026). "Ghana 1–0 Panama". BBC Sport.
  15. 1 2 King, Oliver (June 17, 2026). "Ghana 1–0 Panama Stats: Yirenkyi's Last-Gasp Winner Snatches Priceless Group L Win". theanalyst.com. Retrieved June 17, 2026.
  16. 1 2 3 "Tactical Line-up – Group L – Ghana v. Panama" (PDF). FIFA. June 17, 2026. Retrieved June 17, 2026.
  17. ↑ "England national football team: record v Ghana". 11v11.com. Retrieved December 6, 2025.
  18. ↑ "Dismal England serve up World Cup Shocker to highlight old problem". The Independent. June 23, 2026. Retrieved June 24, 2026.
  19. ↑ "England 0 Ghana 0". BBC Sport. June 23, 2026. Retrieved June 24, 2026.
  20. ↑ "'VAR went for a coffee' – should Ghana have had penalty against England?". BBC Sport. June 22, 2026. Retrieved June 24, 2026.
  21. 1 2 3 "Tactical Line-up – Group L – England v. Ghana" (PDF). FIFA. June 23, 2026. Retrieved June 23, 2026.
  22. ↑ "Panama 0 Croatia 1". BBC Sport. June 23, 2026. Retrieved June 24, 2026.
  23. 1 2 3 "Tactical Line-up – Group L – Panama v. Croatia" (PDF). FIFA. June 23, 2026. Retrieved June 23, 2026.
  24. ↑ "Panama national football team: record v England". 11v11.com. Retrieved December 6, 2025.
  25. 1 2 3 "Tactical Line-up – Group L – Panama v. England" (PDF). FIFA. June 27, 2026. Retrieved June 27, 2026.
  26. 1 2 3 "Tactical Line-up – Group L – Croatia v. Ghana" (PDF). FIFA. June 27, 2026. Retrieved June 27, 2026.

Match reports

[edit]
  1. ↑
  2. ↑
  3. ↑
  4. ↑
  5. ↑
  6. ↑
[edit]
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