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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Analysis & Previews
Arsenal and England breathe sigh of relief as Bukayo Saka manages training load
7 hours ago
Glenn Hoddle questions Thomas Tuchel's logic on England's World Cup squad
1 day, 4 hours ago
England are bottling the 2026 World Cup before it even starts
1 day, 5 hours ago
England’s 2026 World Cup Group: A familiar recipe for disaster
1 day, 5 hours ago
Aitana Bonmati returns to Spain squad for high-stakes England qualifier
1 day, 5 hours ago
England’s World Cup group is a trap and they will walk right into it
1 day, 5 hours ago
England's World Cup squad misses a beat by snubbing Adam Wharton
1 day, 19 hours ago
Tottenham are still searching for their post-Kane identity
2 days, 10 hours ago
Why the FA's 3v3 push is a reality check for England's youth development
3 days, 7 hours ago
Morgan Gibbs-White's England snub has the fan forums burning
3 days, 9 hours ago
Group L News
Anthony Barry once watched 17,000 throw-ins for his coursework, now he's plotting England World Cup glory
· 2 hours ago
England's stance on 'concerning' measles risk at World Cup revealed - with the United States on track for its worst year in DECADES
· 3 hours ago
‘England aren’t the greatest team in the heat, but we got to the semi-finals in Italy in 1990 when it was hot – if you let the little things get to you, it’s all negatives’ Former England favourites open up on the challenge of the North American climate
· 3 hours ago
Brazil World Cup 2026 team guide
· 4 hours ago
Ballon d'Or organisers make major change as Harry Kane tipped to win prize
· 5 hours ago
England fans can get iconic £50 1982 retro shirt for under £10 ahead of 2026 World Cup
· 8 hours ago
Qatar World Cup 2026 team guide
· 11 hours ago
Darren Bent picks his all-time World Cup XI which includes five Brazilians... but is there room for any England legends?
· 12 hours ago
England World Cup group stage schedule is the second-toughest – here's the science that proves it
· 12 hours ago
Switzerland World Cup 2026 team guide
· 19 hours ago