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
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Group L News
Aston Villa kid can be England’s fix for the Kane, Bellingham dilemma
· 1 week ago
Tuchel: England “train is rolling” without Palmer
· 1 week ago
Thomas Tuchel fires clear warning to Cole Palmer after Chelsea star misses England camp
· 1 week ago
Jarell Quansah opens up on competing with Trent Alexander-Arnold for England place
· 1 week ago
All aboard the Tuchel train? England camp has clear winners and losers
· 1 week ago
England ready to level up and embrace ‘calculated risks’, claims Tuchel
· 1 week ago
This fortnight proved the Jude Bellingham transformation is complete - and that Cole Palmer and Phil Foden must now be worried for their England futures, writes IAN LADYMAN
· 1 week ago
Do England already have their Kane replacement - or is he yet to emerge?
· 1 week ago
Bayern Munich reach decision on signing Erling Haaland as Harry Kane agreement revealed
· 1 week ago
Kane makes more England history and Ronaldo claps back | Football Weekly video
· 1 week ago