At first glance, 2026 World Cup Group L appears straightforward, with England expected to lead the way. However, the group contains a fascinating mix of established tournament pedigree, emerging talent and genuine upset potential.
England enter the tournament as favourites and will be confident of progressing to the knockout rounds. Yet they cannot afford to underestimate their opponents.
Croatia have consistently delivered on the biggest stage over the past decade, Ghana possess the quality to trouble any side on their day, and Panama will be determined to prove they can compete against elite international opposition.
While England remain the standout team on paper, the race for qualification could be far closer than many expect. With every point likely to matter, Group L has all the ingredients to produce one of the most intriguing battles of the 2026 World Cup group stage.
Who is in World Cup Group L?
World Cup Group L features England, Croatia, Ghana and Panama. Four nations from three different confederations will compete for a place in the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
England arrive as one of the tournament favourites and will be expected to qualify top of the group. The Three Lions boast one of the strongest squads in the competition and will have high expectations as always heading into the competition.
Croatia once again find themselves on the world stage after another impressive qualification campaign. They have built a reputation for being hard to beat and performing well at major tournaments, and will be aiming to reach the knockout rounds and beyond once more.
Ghana represent Africa in Group L and will be eager to make a strong impression. The Black Stars have a proud World Cup history and possess enough talent and physicality to challenge Croatia and England for a spot in the knockout stages.
Panama complete the group after securing another appearance at football’s biggest tournament. While they enter as outsiders, they will be determined to prove they can compete against more established international sides and potentially cause an upset.
What are the latest Group L odds?
Odds via 10bet and correct at the time of writing.
England: 3/10 (1.30)
Croatia: 7/2 (4.50)
Ghana: 8/1 (9.00)
Panama: 30/1 (31.00)
What are the World Cup Group L fixtures?
- June 17: England vs Croatia, Dallas Stadium
- June 18: Ghana vs Panama, Toronto Stadium
- June 23: England vs Ghana, Boston Stadium
- June 24: Panama vs Croatia, Toronto Stadium
- June 27: Panama vs England, New York/New Jersey Stadium
- June 27: Croatia vs Ghana, Philadelphia Stadium
Who are the key players in World Cup Group L?
England: Harry Kane
Harry Kane could once again be the player who defines England’s World Cup campaign. The Three Lions captain remains one of the most reliable goal scorers in world football and has a proven track record on the international stage. His movement, finishing and leadership make him England’s biggest attacking weapon.
If England are to live up to expectations and make a deep run in the tournament, Kane looks like the player most likely to deliver the goals that matter most.
Croatia: Joško Gvardiol
Joško Gvardiol represents the future of Croatian football, but he is already one of the team’s most important players. The Manchester City defender combines strength, composure and excellent positional awareness, making him a difficult opponent for even the world’s best attackers.
Croatia have built their recent success on organisation and resilience, and Gvardiol will be at the heart of that approach. If he performs at his best, Croatia will fancy their chances of competing with anyone in Group L.
Ghana: Antoine Semenyo
Antoine Semenyo could be the spark that drives Ghana’s World Cup campaign. The Bournemouth forward has earned a reputation for troubling defenders with his pace, power and relentless energy, while his eye for goal makes him a genuine match-winner.
In a group where fine margins could decide who progresses, Ghana will be hoping Semenyo can provide the attacking quality needed to turn tight matches in their favour.
Panama: Adalberto Carrasquilla
Adalberto Carrasquilla could be the key to Panama’s hopes of causing an upset in Group L. The midfielder is often the driving force behind Panama’s best performances, combining technical quality with the work rate needed to compete at the highest level. He is also capable of creating chances and controlling possession against stronger opponents.
Panama enter the tournament as outsiders, but Carrasquilla looks like the player most capable of helping his team exceed expectations and make Group L more competitive than many anticipate.
What are the best bets for World Cup Group L?
England to win World Cup Group L stands out as the strongest bet in this section. The Three Lions have the deepest squad in the group and should have enough quality to finish top of the standings. On paper, they look a level above their three rivals and anything other than first place would be a surprise.
Another bet worth considering is Harry Kane to win the 2026 World Cup Golden Boot. England are expected to score goals throughout the tournament, and Kane remains their primary attacking threat. If the Three Lions enjoy a deep run in the competition, there is every chance their captain will be among the leading scorers. Given his record for both club and country, he looks like a strong contender for the award.
The key fixture in Group L could be Croatia vs Ghana. England will expect to collect enough points to secure qualification, which could leave Croatia and Ghana battling directly for the second knockout-round spot. A victory in that match may ultimately prove decisive.
Croatia to qualify from World Cup Group L also appeals. Major tournaments have consistently brought out the best in Croatia, and they have developed a habit of exceeding expectations on the biggest stage. Their experience and ability to perform under pressure could give them a slight edge in the race for second place.
That said, Ghana should not be underestimated. The Black Stars possess plenty of attacking quality and are more than capable of upsetting the odds. If players such as Antoine Semenyo can produce their best form, Ghana could emerge as one of the surprise packages in the group.
Who will qualify from World Cup Group L?
- England
- Croatia
- Ghana
- Panama
England look like the strongest team in World Cup Group L and should have enough quality to finish top of the standings. With Harry Kane leading the attack and plenty of depth throughout the squad, the Three Lions are clear favourites to win the group.
Croatia get the edge over Ghana for second place thanks to their impressive record in major tournaments. Their experience and ability to perform under pressure could prove crucial in what is likely to be a closely fought battle for qualification.
Ghana certainly have the talent to challenge those predictions and should push Croatia all the way. Panama, meanwhile, will be hoping to spring a surprise, but they appear to face the toughest task of the four teams.
Check out our other 2026 World Cup Group previews:
- – World Cup Group A preview: Mexico, South Korea, Czechia and South Africa
- – World Cup Group B preview: Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Qatar and Switzerland
- – World Cup Group C preview: Brazil, Morocco, Scotland and Haiti
- – World Cup Group D preview: USA, Paraguay, Australia and Turkey
- – World Cup Group E preview: Germany, Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curaçao
- – World Cup Group F preview: Netherlands, Japan, Sweden and Tunisia
- – World Cup Group G preview: Belgium, Egypt, Iran and New Zealand
- – World Cup Group H preview: Spain, Cabo Verde, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay
- – World Cup Group I preview: France, Senegal, Iraq and Norway
- – World Cup Group J preview: Argentina, Algeria, Austria and Jordan
- – World Cup Group K preview: Portugal, DR Congo, Uzbekistan and Colombia
