World Cup 2026 — Group L
England's group stage assignment reunites them with Croatia — the nation that broke English hearts in 2018. With Bellingham, Saka, and Kane leading the charge, 2026 is England's best shot at the trophy since 1966.
Group L Teams
| Team | Confederation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 🏴 England | UEFA | Tournament Favourite ⭐ |
| 🇭🇷 Croatia | UEFA | Qualifier |
| 🇬🇭 Ghana | CAF | Qualifier |
| 🇵🇦 Panama | CONCACAF | Qualifier |
Key Storylines
Football's Coming Home?
England have reached two Euro finals and a World Cup semi since 2018. Under Gareth Southgate's successor, this generation finally has the squad depth to go all the way in 2026.
Croatia's Revenge Plot
Croatia beat England 2-1 in the 2018 World Cup semi-final. Luka Modric may be in his final World Cup — expect Croatia to use the Group L rematch as a message to the world.
Ghana — The Black Stars Rise
Ghana bounced back to qualify through AFCON qualifying. With a new generation of players including Mohammed Kudus and Antoine Semenyo, they're no longer just an easy draw.
Panama — CONCACAF Grit
Back in their third World Cup, Panama qualified via CONCACAF. They'll defend deep and look to nick a result. Don't expect them to make it easy for any team in Group L.
Bellingham's Stage
Jude Bellingham at 22 will be in his prime at a World Cup. Real Madrid's attacking midfield maestro is the most complete English player since Paul Scholes — 2026 is his tournament to define.
Kane's Trophy Hunt
Harry Kane finally won the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich. The only medal missing is international silverware. At 32, 2026 is his last shot at lifting a World Cup for England.
Group Stage Schedule
Related Highlights
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Group L News
England defender Marc Guehi rejects the knee AGAIN: Man City star doubles down against anti-racism gesture after suggesting it had 'lost its meaning' - as Chelsea fans boo gesture before Spurs clash at Stamford Bridge
· 2 hours ago
England defender Marc Guehi rejects the knee AGAIN: Man City star doubles down against anti-racism gesture after suggesting it had 'lost its meaning'
· 7 hours ago
Jordan Henderson's Chelsea revival: How he's still running Premier League midfields at 36, why Xabi Alonso is so enamoured with his role as dressing-room mentor and referee whisperer, and why he hasn't given up on England dream
· 1 day, 18 hours ago
Ruben Amorim loses his rag as AC Milan suffer disaster first half on his return to England at Bournemouth - with his goalkeeper sent off for a shove in the FACE to give away second penalty
· 1 day, 23 hours ago
Harry Kane says wait to learn if he has won Ballon d’Or is stressful for family
· 1 day, 23 hours ago
'My wife wants to know!': Nervous Harry Kane opens up on Ballon d'Or uncertainty as bookmakers' favourite reveals he has been kept in the dark over award outcome
· 2 days, 4 hours ago
‘He is a genius’ – Harry Brook hailed after historic double century for England
· 2 days, 6 hours ago
A point to prove back in England: The five key battles in Bournemouth vs. Milan
· 2 days, 7 hours ago
Harry Kane admits wait to learn if he has won Ballon d’Or is ‘very stressful’ for family
· 2 days, 9 hours ago
Harry Kane names his Champions League favourites after ‘tricky’ Arsenal draw vs Bayern Munich
· 2 days, 10 hours ago