England have been drawn in Group L for the 2026 World Cup, alongside Croatia, Ghana and Panama. Thomas Tuchel's side will begin their campaign against 2018 runners-up Croatia, in a rematch of the semi-final from that tournament. The Three Lions will also face Panama, whom they defeated 6-1 in the group stage of the 2018 World Cup, and Ghana.
Croatia, semi-finalists in 2022, boast a blend of experienced veterans such as 40-year-old captain Luka Modric and younger talents like Josko Gvardiol. Ghana, meanwhile, are not the same force they were in 2010 when they were denied a semi-final spot by Luis Suarez's handball. Panama are considered a tougher opponent than in 2018.
Winning Group L is seen as valuable, as the runners-up would likely face tournament favourites Spain in the last 16. England's recent World Cup record includes semi-final and quarter-final defeats, plus runner-up finishes at the last two European Championships. Tuchel is tasked with ending England's 60-year wait for a major trophy since 1966.
England's squad includes star striker Harry Kane, who scored 61 goals for Bayern Munich last season, and breakout talent Nico O'Reilly, a 21-year-old left-back from Manchester City. The team qualified with a perfect record of eight wins and no goals conceded. However, there are concerns they may be slightly below the level of Spain and France, and could struggle in the North American heat.
Key group fixtures include England vs Ghana on 23 June at Gillette Stadium, and Panama vs England on 27 June at MetLife Stadium. Croatia also face Ghana on 27 June at Lincoln Financial Field.
