World Cup 2026 Group L

A 2018 final, a 2022 third-place finish, a Nations League final: Zlatko Dalić's tenure since 2017 has produced results a nation of 3.9 million has no statistical right to expect. Luka Modrić, now 39, remains the creative reference point, his passing range and control of tempo undiminished even as his minutes require management. Joško Gvardiol has emerged as one of the world's best centre-backs, his ball-carrying and defensive intelligence giving Croatia a modern defender who initiates attacks as effectively as he stops them. Croatia have never been eliminated in the group stage since their 1998 debut. The weakness is the forward line: beyond Andrej Kramarić, goal-scoring options are less proven, and Croatia have historically relied on individual quality rather than sustained attacking pressure. Modrić cannot play every minute, and the midfield without him loses its compass. A round of 16 is the realistic floor. Reaching another semi-final would be extraordinary overperformance for a squad in transition.

A World Cup title drought spanning six decades is the context for Thomas Tuchel's appointment. His club record at Chelsea, PSG, and Bayern Munich established him as an elite tactician; his international experience is nonexistent. Harry Kane remains captain and all-time leading scorer, converting half-chances most strikers cannot reach. Jude Bellingham has emerged as the midfield's driving force, his ball-carrying from deep and timing of arrivals into the box giving England a dimension previous generations lacked. Bukayo Saka provides width and directness from the right; Declan Rice anchors midfield with the positional discipline that allows Bellingham and Phil Foden to attack. Southgate's departure ended an era of consistent deep runs without silverware: the 2018 semi-final, the 2022 quarter-final, the Euro 2024 final. Tuchel's appointment signals that winning is the only acceptable outcome. A quarter-final is the minimum; a semi-final meets expectations.

Luis Suárez's handball on the goal line and Asamoah Gyan's missed penalty in 2010 still haunt Ghanaian football. The current side, under Otto Addo in his second spell, is more structured than the 2010 team but lacks that generation's individual brilliance in attacking areas. Mohammed Kudus provides the creative spark, his dribbling and ability to receive between the lines making him Ghana's most dangerous attacker. Thomas Partey anchors midfield with the physical presence and passing range that frees Kudus and the forward line. Iñaki Williams adds pace and directness from the right, his diagonal runs stretching defences in ways that complement Kudus's central creativity. The pressing identity Addo has installed made Ghana the most aggressive defensive team in CAF qualifying. The weakness is conversion in the final third: Ghana can dominate territory without turning pressure into goals. A round of 16 is the target. Escaping a group with England and Croatia would be Ghana's best result since 2010.

Felipe Baloy's consolation goal against England in 2018 sent the Panamanian bench into celebration even as the match ended 6-1. From a campaign of three defeats and ten goals conceded, that solitary bright moment is the foundation Thomas Christiansen builds on. The current squad is better organized and more experienced. Aníbal Godoy provides the midfield anchor, his defensive positioning and passing range giving Panama a structural foundation. Michael Murillo's overlapping runs from right-back supply width, and the team's physicality makes them difficult opponents in aerial duels and set-piece situations. The weakness is technical: Panama cannot sustain possession against elite opponents, and their defensive shape, while organized, can be pulled apart by quick passing through the half-spaces. A first World Cup point would be meaningful progress. The realistic ceiling is improving on 2018 without necessarily escaping a group featuring two of Europe's most tournament-hardened nations.

England versus Croatia on matchday one revisits the 2018 World Cup semi-final in Moscow, where Mario Mandžukić's extra-time winner sent Croatia to the final and England into a cycle of near-misses. The matchup has evolved: Bellingham and Rice against Modrić and Kovačić in midfield is a generational contrast, younger legs against older cunning. England's attacking depth, with Kane, Saka, and Foden, against Croatia's defensive organization means the team that scores first gains a psychological edge. Ghana versus Panama on matchday two could determine which team stays alive for qualification. Ghana's pressing intensity against Panama's physical directness is a contest neither manager would choose as a must-win.

The Group L winner meets the Group K runner-up in the Round of 32, likely Colombia or DR Congo. Second place draws the Group K winner, probably Portugal, a much harder assignment. Third place enters the pool of eight best third-placed finishers, facing a group winner from another section. With England and Croatia expected to take the top two spots, the group's real drama is whether Ghana or Panama can reach third and sneak into the knockout stage through the best-third-place route. The Round of 32 runs from 28 June to 3 July 2026.