England drawn against Croatia, Ghana and Panama in 2026 World Cup Group L

England will begin their 2026 World Cup campaign against Croatia at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on 17 June, the two nations meeting at a World Cup for the first time since Croatia eliminated the Three Lions at the semi-final stage in Russia eight years ago. Thomas Tuchel’s side will also face Ghana and Panama in Group L.

Croatia represent the most formidable obstacle in the group. England’s other opponents carry less historical menace: they beat Panama 6-1 in the group phase at the 2018 tournament and have never faced Ghana in a competitive fixture.

England were seeded in Pot 1 for the draw, placed alongside the three host nations — the United States, Mexico and Canada — and the other top-eight ranked sides. Tuchel’s squad are listed among the favourites to win the competition.

The group-stage schedule takes England to three different stadiums across the eastern United States. After the Croatia opener in Arlington, they travel to Gillette Stadium in Foxborough to face Ghana on 23 June, before concluding the group phase against Panama at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford on 27 June.

Should England top Group L, they would face a third-place qualifier in Atlanta in the round of 32 on 1 July. Finishing first would also keep them on a side of the bracket away from fellow top-four seeds Argentina, Spain and France until at least the semi-finals, provided those nations also advance from their groups.

The full Group L line-up is England, Croatia, Ghana and Panama.