Group L World Cup 2026 features England, Croatia, Ghana, and Panama. The group runs June 17 to 27. England open against Croatia in Dallas.
Here is the bottom line. England are the favorite. Croatia are the strongest challenger. Ghana and Panama will fight to reach the knockouts.
Below you get the full schedule with ET kickoff times, live standings, and results. You also see how to watch every Group L game in the US.
Group L World Cup 2026 Teams
Four teams make up Group L, and the top is loaded. England bring depth and pressure. Croatia bring big-tournament pedigree. Ghana and Panama aim to upset the order.
| Team | Confederation | FIFA Ranking | How They Qualified | Best World Cup Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| England | UEFA | 4 | European qualifying | Champions (1966) |
| Croatia | UEFA | 11 | European qualifying | Runners-up (2018) |
| Panama | CONCACAF | 33 | North American qualifying | Group stage |
| Ghana | CAF | 74 | African qualifying | Quarter-finals (2010) |
FIFA rankings reflect the April 2026 list. The next update lands June 9.
You can see the full roster for each nation here:
- England World Cup squad 2026
- Croatia World Cup squad 2026
- Panama World Cup squad 2026
- Ghana World Cup squad 2026
Group L World Cup 2026 Schedule
Group L plays six matches over two weeks. England face Croatia in the opener. The final two matches kick off at the same time on June 27.
All times below are Eastern Time (ET).
| Date | Match | Kickoff (ET) | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wed, June 17 | England vs Croatia | 4:00 p.m. | AT&T Stadium, Dallas |
| Wed, June 17 | Ghana vs Panama | 7:00 p.m. | BMO Field, Toronto |
| Tue, June 23 | England vs Ghana | 4:00 p.m. | Gillette Stadium, Boston |
| Tue, June 23 | Panama vs Croatia | 7:00 p.m. | BMO Field, Toronto |
| Sat, June 27 | Panama vs England | 5:00 p.m. | MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford |
| Sat, June 27 | Croatia vs Ghana | 5:00 p.m. | Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia |
Group L plays in the US and Canada. England’s games are in Dallas, Boston, and New Jersey, and Croatia vs Ghana is in Philadelphia. Toronto hosts the other two matches. The June 27 games kick off together.
Want the full picture? See the complete World Cup 2026 timetable for all 104 matches.
World Cup 2026 Group L Standings
The standings below update live as results come in. The top two teams advance, plus the best third-placed team can reach the round of 32.
- Possible qualification (best 8 third-placed teams advance)
- Eliminated from tournament
FIFA changed the tiebreakers for 2026. If teams finish level on points, head-to-head results now come first. The order is head-to-head points, then head-to-head goal difference, then head-to-head goals scored. If teams are still level, FIFA uses overall goal difference, then overall goals scored, then the fair play record, and finally the FIFA ranking.
Group L Results
Group L results post here after each match.
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Croatia
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England
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Ghana
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Panama
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| 1 | Croatia | ||||
| 2 | England | ||||
| 3 | Ghana | ||||
| 4 | Panama |
How to Watch Group L World Cup 2026 in the US
You have clear options in both English and Spanish. In English, watch on FOX and FS1. Select matches also stream free on the Tubi app.
In Spanish, watch on Telemundo and Universo. You can stream the Spanish feed on Peacock.
Ready to watch? See our World Cup 2026 live stream guide from anywhere.
Who Will Win Group L?
England are the favorite. They rank 4th, won every qualifier, and arrive under coach Thomas Tuchel with Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham. Topping the group looks likely.
Croatia are the main challenger. Finalists in 2018 and third in 2022, they still lean on veteran Luka Modrić.
Ghana and Panama are the outsiders. Ghana carry Premier League talent, while Panama are organized and hard to beat.
FAQ About Group L World Cup 2026
Have England won the World Cup?
Yes, but only once. England won the World Cup in 1966, on home soil, and have not won it since, a 60-year wait. They have come close lately, losing the Euro 2020 and Euro 2024 finals. New coach Thomas Tuchel now leads a strong squad built around captain Harry Kane.
How have Croatia done at recent World Cups?
Croatia have been remarkable. They reached the World Cup final in 2018 and finished third in 2022, a huge feat for a nation of under four million people. Veteran Luka Modrić, now 40, still drives the team. That pedigree makes Croatia England’s main rival for top spot in Group L.
What is Ghana’s best World Cup result?
Ghana’s best run came in 2010, when they reached the quarter-finals. They came within a missed penalty of the semifinals, after a notorious late handball by Uruguay’s Luis Suárez denied a certain goal. Ghana arrive in 2026 ranked 74th but carry strong European-based talent like Antoine Semenyo and Thomas Partey.
Is this Panama’s second World Cup?
Yes. The 2026 World Cup is Panama’s second appearance, after their debut in 2018. That first trip was tough, as they lost all three games, including a 6-1 defeat to England. Panama qualified again by topping their CONCACAF group, and the expanded 48-team format gives them a real shot at the knockouts.
Have England and Croatia met at a World Cup before?
Yes, and recently. Croatia knocked England out of the 2018 World Cup, winning their semifinal 2-1 after extra time through a Mario Mandžukić goal. Croatia then went on to reach the final. The two are drawn together again and reopen that rivalry on June 17 to start Group L.
Where are Group L matches played?
Group L plays in the US and Canada. England’s games are in Dallas, Boston, and New Jersey, while Croatia vs Ghana is in Philadelphia. Toronto hosts two matches: Ghana vs Panama and Panama vs Croatia. The final two games kick off together at 5 p.m. ET on June 27.
Group L World Cup 2026 pairs England’s title hopes with Croatia’s pedigree, Ghana’s attacking threat, and a determined Panama. The group opens June 17 in Dallas. Bookmark this page for live standings and results, and catch every match on FOX and FS1.
