England have been drawn against Croatia, Panama and Ghana in Group L for the 2026 World Cup, setting up a rematch of their 2018 semi-final defeat. The draw, held in Washington DC, also saw Scotland placed in Group C alongside Brazil, Morocco and Haiti.
England’s opening fixture will be against Croatia, who beat them 2-1 in extra time in Russia. Panama, whom England defeated 6-1 in the group stage in 2018, are also in the group, alongside Ghana, a team England have never faced at a World Cup. Venues across Dallas, Boston, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia and Toronto will host the group matches.
Thomas Tuchel, England manager, described the group as “difficult”, particularly noting Croatia and Ghana as strong opponents. He admitted limited knowledge of Panama but said the team would prepare thoroughly. Croatia’s golden generation has largely retired, though Luka Modric (40) and Ivan Perisic (36) remain. Ghana, featuring Premier League players Mohammed Kudus and Antoine Semenyo, have reached four of the last five World Cups but have declined since their 2010 quarter-final run.
If England top Group L, they will face a third-placed team from Groups E, J, I, H or K in the last 32. A potential quarter-final against Brazil and semi-final against Argentina could follow, due to FIFA seeding changes preventing top-ranked sides from meeting earlier. Scotland’s Group C includes Brazil, Morocco and Haiti, echoing their 1998 World Cup group.
The draw was complicated by the expanded 48-team format and ongoing playoffs. FIFA president Gianni Infantino awarded a peace prize to Donald Trump, who praised ticket sales in a two-minute speech. The event also featured a skit with former England player Rio Ferdinand.
