Ghana Draws England, Croatia & Panama: World Cup 2026 Kickoff Set for June 17 in canada
Ghana, England, Panama, Croatia named in Group L of the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Washington, D.C- Under light snowfall in Washington, D.C., Ghana’s path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup was revealed. The Black Stars have been drawn into Group L alongside England, Croatia, and Panama, setting the stage for a group packed with challenge, opportunity, and history.
This expanded edition of the tournament the first to feature 48 nations across 12 groups will take place across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, making it the largest World Cup ever held. The draw ceremony in Washington brought together FIFA officials, global leaders including the Presidents of the three host nations, and football icons for what felt like both a political and sporting showcase of global unity.
Conversations have already begun after the draw, with ESPN describing Group L as one of the most talked-about pairings, featuring 2018 finalists Croatia, football powerhouse England, and two rising nations, Ghana and Panama.
Full list of groups and countries for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Moments after the draw, former Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan, who famously led the Black Stars to the quarterfinals in 2010 shared his reaction with journalists. “When you look at that group, I think it’s a very tricky group right now and all four teams want to qualify,” Gyan said. “Definitely, we are optimistic back home everybody back home wants Ghana to qualify so we’ll do our possible best to qualify to the next stage.”
Also England head coach, Thomas Tuchel expressed confidence but acknowledged the challenge of facing "proud and strong nations" like Croatia and Ghana in a difficult group.
Ghana will open its World Cup campaign on June 17, 2026, against Panama in Toronto Canada, before facing Croatia and later England in what promises to be a high-profile clash watched around the world.
There is little history between these teams. Ghana has never played Croatia or Panama at senior level, and their only prior meeting with England, a 2011 friendly that ended 1–1. The lack of precedent adds an air of unpredictability and opportunity for the Black Stars.
Fans reacting to the draw on social media, believe Ghana’s success will hinge on tactical flexibility, endurance, and composure under pressure, especially against England’s experience and Croatia’s midfield control.
The 2026 World Cup, spread across three host nations, will mark the first time North America stages football’s biggest event in nearly four decades. Stadiums across Los Angeles, Toronto, Mexico City, and New York are being upgraded to accommodate what is expected to be the most attended sporting event in history.
For Ghana, it’s more than participation, it’s a statement of return. After memorable appearances in 2006 and 2010, and heartbreak in later campaigns, the Black Stars now carry a new generation of talent determined to restore national pride.
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