England have been drawn with Croatia, Ghana and Panama in Group L for the 2026 World Cup, a group that looks favourable on paper but carries potential pitfalls. With the tournament expanded to 48 teams, Thomas Tuchel's side are favourites to top the group but must start strongly against Croatia in Dallas on Wednesday.
Croatia, ranked 11th in the world, have been a thorn in England's side, notably denying them a place at Euro 2008 and reaching the 2018 World Cup final at their expense. However, their golden generation is fading, with 40-year-old Luka Modric set to earn his 199th cap. Familiar faces like Josko Gvardiol, Mateo Kovacic and Ivan Perisic remain, but recent defeats to Brazil and Belgium suggest they are beatable.
Ghana, ranked 73rd, qualified despite finishing bottom of their AFCON qualifying group and sacking manager Otto Addo 72 days before the tournament. Tottenham winger Mohammed Kudus is ruled out through injury. Three of their squad were born in England, including Manchester City's Antoine Semenyo. England should win, but Ghana will be motivated to prove a point.
Panama, ranked 34th, are no pushovers despite being thrashed 6-1 by England in 2018. Coach Thomas Christiansen has warned his side are not going for a selfie, and a much-changed England XI could face a tough test if qualification is already secured. England need to finish top to avoid a tricky knockout path.
