2026 FIFA World Cup: Group L Preview

Many eyes will be on Group L for a variety of reasons.

For one, the consistency displayed by one team in the group (Croatia) across the last couple World Cups is astounding for a nation of its size. Continuity likely ends following this cycle, so it’s worth following one last ride. Another reason is the hype created, prior to almost every World Cup, for England. In fairness, this time the hype could be real.

Those two teams are the main draw, but Ghana and Panama should not be taken lightly (as American supporters know all too well) and there are bound to be surprises throughout group stage play.

While this one feels pretty straightforward, that’s just the type of circumstance that seems to create the most chaos in the World Cup.

The Teams

Croatia

Best Case Scenario

Continuity and consistency have been the mark of Croatia’s national team for some time, and it has served the nation well, with third-place and runner-up finishes to show from the last two World Cups. Manager Zlatko Dalić, Luka Modrić, Ivan Perišić and Mateo Kovačić have all been part of what has been the most successful period in the country’s soccer history and will all be back for one final ride.

While Father Time would likely argue otherwise, Croatia’s ingenuity and familiarity on the pitch gives them an opportunity to make yet another run before most (if not all) of the aforementioned mainstays move on. Breaking down Croatia is tough for even the best squads, and the group isn’t strong enough to prevent them from making the knockout rounds.

Realistic Expectation

Getting out of the group will be expected, but from there it will take an opponent with a unique blend of physical ability and experience to dispatch the Croatians.

Another run to the semifinals or better seems unlikely, but multiple knockout stage matches does feel like a distinct possibility for a group that wouldn’t feel out of place in 2014, let alone 2026.

England

Best Case Scenario

Is it coming home? Just maybe. The English squad is inarguably full of talent with the ability to both score and defend with the best squads in the tournament, though even that reality hasn’t shielded Thomas Tuchel from catching flak for some of his choices for the 26-man roster. Tuchel’s decisions appear to value youth up front and penalized some for their current form (notably, roster omissions Cole Palmer and Phil Foden).

Anything less than a semifinals appearance will feel like a disappointment for supporters, though in fairness that has only happened once since 1998. How Tuchel deploys his eclectic mix of athleticism and experience will determine whether England is ousted early or gets near their ceiling of being one of the last four teams standing. The defense is elite, and the attack can be.

Realistic Expectation

When England needs a goal, will the players on this squad step up to the challenge or will the absence of a player like Trent Alexander-Arnold further bring into question Tuchel’s decision making as manager? The questions are already flying, suggesting what many are already willing to say about whether it’s really coming home in 2026.

England should win this group, and if that is accomplished there could be a somewhat favorable path to make it to the semifinals. Somewhere between Round of 16 (which would likely entail being upset) and semifinals seems likely for this group, but it’s unlikely to feel like enough for English supporters outside of one very simple outcome.

Ghana

Best Case Scenario

The Black Stars have historically been one of Africa’s most successful teams on the global stage, but have been upstaged recently by the likes of Morocco, amongst others, and haven’t done themselves any favors with failures like missing the most recent AFCON tournament entirely.

Given that Ghana is largely being overlooked heading into this World Cup, there is the opportunity for exceptional talent such as Antoine Semenyo to carry this team to some surprise results that reintroduces this nation to the footballing world and reinvigorates a somewhat struggling federation. Manager Carlos Queiroz is looking for some level of redemption at this point as well but is generally regarded as highly competent tactically.

Realistic Expectation

With the expanded tournament, a single victory in the group stage has a chance to be enough to propel teams to the next stage.

Ghana is going to be overmatched by England and might be tactically outdueled by Croatia, but Panama is a team that it can realistically beat and that match feels crucial in determining whether the Black Stars are group stage and done, or surprising inclusion into the knockout round.

Panama

Best Case Scenario

American supporters will remember Panama beating the United States in a group stage match of Copa América in 2024, which contributed heavily to the hosts flaming out in that tournament prior to the knockout rounds. Success that summer coupled with a domination of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying has this nation feeling good about its chances to truly be a problem at the World Cup.

Panama is one of the older teams in this tournament but will still exhibit a tendency to want to play with the ball at its feet, something that characterized the team throughout its success in recent competitions. If they can do that in group play, they’ll frustrate the favorites and give themselves a chance to orchestrate a monumental upset.

Realistic Expectation

Panama’s development under Thomas Christiansen is real and it is unlikely that they will fare as poorly as when the nation last made the World Cup in 2018. The matches should be closer and the simple reality of having been embarrassed by England during that tournament makes it unlikely it’ll happen again.

That said, Panama’s success in the Americas will get tested mightily by two of the most successful European nations over the past decade or so. This is a difficult group and it will be surprising if Panama moves on to the knockout stage.

Matches to Watch

England vs. Croatia (June 17 – 4 PM ET)

A rematch of the 2018 World Cup semifinal match will take place at Jerry’s World to kick off Group L. A similar result would send English supporters into a tizzy, even with plenty of time to recover.

Ghana vs. Panama (June 17 – 7 PM ET)

Following the European heavyweight bout that takes place within the group earlier in the day, the Black Stars and Red Tide will be seeking points in what appears to be the best opportunity for both to get three. A draw may not be enough for either in this one, so a push for goals can be expected.

Predictions (Bold Advance to Knockout Stage)

1. England

2. Croatia

3. Ghana

4. Panama