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2026 World Cup Group Guides · Group L

Group L Preview — FIFA Rankings, Squads & Round-of-32 Scenarios (2026 World Cup)

Group L of the 2026 World Cup features England, Croatia, Panama, Ghana. A data-driven preview: FIFA rankings, captains, squad sizes, the full fixture list, and how each side can reach the Round of 32.

Group snapshot

Average FIFA ranking
16
Group strength
1 of 12 (1 = strongest)
Ranking favourite
England (#4)
Ranking spread
29
Includes a FIFA top-10 side

The four teams

England
EnglandEnglandFIFA #4
Captain: Harry Kane · 26-player squad
Croatia
CroatiaCroatiaFIFA #11
Captain: Luka Modrić · 26-player squad
Panama
PanamaPanamaFIFA #33
Captain: Aníbal Godoy · 26-player squad
Ghana
GhanaGhanaUnranked
Captain: Jordan Ayew · 26-player squad

Group L fixtures

Times shown in your local time

EnglandEngland
20:00
Jun 17
CroatiaCroatia
Dallas (Arlington)
GhanaGhana
23:00
Jun 17
PanamaPanama
Toronto
EnglandEngland
20:00
Jun 23
GhanaGhana
Boston (Foxborough)
PanamaPanama
23:00
Jun 23
CroatiaCroatia
Toronto
PanamaPanama
21:00
Jun 27
EnglandEngland
New York/New Jersey (East Rutherford)
CroatiaCroatia
21:00
Jun 27
GhanaGhana
Philadelphia

Qualification outlook

The top two of Group L reach the Round of 32 directly, while the third-placed team can still advance through the best-third-place race (8 of 12 qualify). By FIFA ranking, England start as favourites to top the group — but under the new 2026 tie-break rules (head-to-head first), nothing is decided until the matches are played.

Group L live scenarios & simulator →All group guides

※ Preview based on a FIFA ranking snapshot and announced squads. Not affiliated with FIFA.