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 in the opening fixture. The draw, held in Washington DC, also saw Scotland placed in Group C alongside Brazil, Morocco and Haiti.
England manager Thomas Tuchel described the group as “difficult”, noting Croatia and Ghana as regular World Cup participants. England beat Croatia 1-0 in their Euro 2021 opener, but lost 2-1 to them in extra time in the 2018 semi-final. Panama were beaten 6-1 by England in the group stage of that tournament, while Ghana have never faced England at a World Cup.
If England win their group, they would face a third-placed team from Groups E, J, I, H or K in the last 32. A potential quarter-final against Brazil and a semi-final against Argentina are possible, following FIFA seeding changes that prevent the top four ranked sides from meeting before the semi-finals.
Croatia’s golden generation has largely retired, with Ivan Perisic and Luka Modric now aged 36 and 40. Ghana, featuring Premier League players Mohammed Kudus and Antoine Semenyo, have declined since reaching the quarter-finals in 2010. Panama, ranked 30th in the world, were unbeaten in two qualifying rounds.
The draw was complicated by the expanded 48-team format and ongoing playoffs. The event included a FIFA peace prize awarded to Donald Trump, who praised ticket sales, and a recorded skit with former England defender Rio Ferdinand.
