7 Jun 2026 | Sportsbetting
World Cup 2026 Group L Profile: Who Will Progress?
England, Croatia, Ghana & Panama are battling for a place in the next round in Group L of the 2026 World Cup. Fixtures, favourites & tips for World Cup Group L at a glance on MERKUR.
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World Cup 2026 Group L Profile: Who Will Progress?
England are among the strongest title contenders in the entire tournament and face Croatia in World Cup Group L – a side that reached the final in 2018 and finished third in 2022. Ghana are appearing at a World Cup for the fifth time and bring both experience and pace to the tournament. Panama, meanwhile, are writing only the second chapter of their World Cup story; after their historic debut in 2018, qualification alone is once again a success in itself.
World Cup 2026: Group L
- Croatia 🇭🇷
- England 🏴
- Panama 🇵🇦
- Ghana 🇬🇭
World Cup Group L Schedule & Tips
| England vs Croatia 17 June 2026, 22:00 – AT&T Stadium (Dallas, USA) Tip: 1 | Ghana vs Panama 18 June 2026, 1:00 am – BMO Field (Toronto, Kanada) Tip: 1 | England vs Ghana 23 June 2026, 22:00 – Gillette Stadium (Boston, USA) Tip: 1 |
| Panama vs Croatia 24 June 2026, 1:00 am – BMO Field (Toronto, Kanada) Tip: 2 | Panama vs England 27 June 2026, 23:00 – MetLife Stadium (New York, USA) Tip: 2 | Croatia vs Ghana 27 June 2026, 23:00 Uhr – Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia, USA) Tip: 1 |
Favourites to Progress from World Cup Group L
England should come through the group stage without any major difficulties. The battle for second place is likely to be contested between Croatia and Ghana. The Croatians are the more experienced side and know exactly how to navigate major tournaments: Modrić and company have repeatedly shown that they can deliver results even against stronger opponents. Ghana bring pace and physicality and will be particularly dangerous in transition. Their direct meeting on the final matchday could well decide who progresses. Panama are defensively organised, but over the course of the tournament they are unlikely to be able to keep up with the group’s stronger teams.
World Cup Group L: The Four Participants at a Glance
Croatia
Despite its relatively small population, Croatia has been one of the most consistent World Cup nations of recent decades. In their first appearance in 1998, the Croatians finished third. The final followed in 2018, and another third-place finish came in 2022. The generation built around Luka Modrić is approaching the end of its World Cup journey, and for many players this is likely to be their final tournament. Their hunger for the title may be greater than ever before.
England
World champions once – in 1966 on home soil. Since then, England have never managed to lift the trophy again. The team reached the semi-finals in 2018 and the quarter-finals in 2022. With players such as Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice and Harry Kane, this is one of the most talented generations England has ever produced. The pressure to finally bring home another title is therefore immense.
Panama
This marks only Panama’s second World Cup appearance. Their debut in Russia in 2018 ended with three defeats in the group stage, but the nation’s first-ever World Cup goal was celebrated like a triumph. Panama are known for their compact defensive style and arrive with a team that has nothing to lose.
Ghana
Ghana made their World Cup debut in Germany in 2006 and reached the quarter-finals in South Africa in 2010. In all other appearances, however, they were eliminated in the group stage. During qualification for the 2026 World Cup, Ghana came through a highly competitive African group, demonstrating particular composure in the decisive matches. The team’s aim is to build on the strong performances of 2006 and 2010.
