Previews, predictions, players to watch, scheduled and TV schedule

Group L preview

England haven’t won the World Cup since 1966, which is a fact that never gets old, and it never gets old. This summer in North America, Thomas Tuchel brings with him the most talented Three Lions squad in decades, and the group stage draw gives them every opportunity to build momentum before the knockout rounds begin.

But this group is not a gimme. Croatia has reached the semi-finals of the last three major tournaments. Ghana has talent that can embarrass anyone on a bad day. And Panama is a far cry from the team that England knocked down 6-1 eight years ago.

The pressure is on in England, it always is. The question is whether they can manage it.

World Cup Group L matches and where to watch them

Here is the complete list of games. The same as the star starts on the previous day.

Here, we look at the groups in detail.

Croatia: 2026 World Cup preview, star player, prediction

Trainer: Zlatko Dalic
Eligibility: UEFA Group L winners
Best World Cup: Runners Up (2018)

No one does more with less than Croatia. They reached the final in 2018 and the third place in 2022. They’ve used their best resources in every major tournament for nearly a decade, and there’s no reason to think 2026 will be any different.

In just seven World Cups since 1998, Croatia have reached the semi-finals three times, a record that needs to be respected regardless of the team’s ranking or FIFA ratings.

Croatia won easily, topping their UEFA group ahead of Czechia, winning seven out of eight games, scoring 26 goals and conceding only four.

The core of this team is built on experience. The team includes four players with more than 100 caps in Modric, Ivan Perisic, Mateo Kovacic and Andrej Kramaric.

Goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic has been a standout in all major tournaments. Defender Josko Gvardiol is back after recovering from a broken shin.

Croatia’s midfield remains a strong side, with Kovacic and Pasalic alongside Modric, while Martin Baturina, Luka Sucic and Petar Sucic represent the next generation’s auditions for their captaincy.

One vexing question lies ahead. No striker has completely rocked the jersey, with Ante Budimir and Petar Musa vying for a central spot.

Croatia Star Player: Luka Modric is still running the show

Luka Modric is the club’s captain at the sixth World Cup, a record that puts the 40-year-old AC Milan midfielder alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as the first male footballers to reach that milestone.

With 196 international appearances, the former Ballon d’Or winner holds the record for most appearances in Croatian football history.

Prediction: Croatia will make the knockouts

They always do. England’s game in Dallas on June 17 is a group game. Whoever wins controls Group L. Expect Croatia to make it difficult for everyone.

England: 2026 World Cup preview, star player, prediction

Trainer: Thomas Tuchel
Eligibility: UEFA Group K winners (unbeaten, zero goals allowed)
Best World Cup: The Winners (1966)

Everyone here at home has been preparing for this competition. England arrive in North America with real quality across the pitch, a world-class manager and a manageable group draw. No more excuses.

England closed the qualifiers without conceding a single goal in eight games, a statement of intent for Tuchel to make his calling card.

Harry Kane captained England to his third World Cup, equaling the record set by Billy Wright in 1950, 1954 and 1958.

Kane arrives in the form of his life. He scored 58 goals in all competitions for Bayern Munich this season, winning the European Golden Shoe.

Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka will all be at the second World Cup. All three were at the forefront of Euro 2024, and all three are better players now.

The selection did not come without controversy. Phil Foden and Cole Palmer both failed to make the final 26 – calls that sparked huge debate among fans.

England’s star player: Harry Kane leads the way

As a real contender to win the Ballon d’Or and in the most successful form of his life, Harry Kane will struggle this summer.

He has added a number of trophies to his cabinet since joining Bayern Munich three years ago, but nothing will mean as much to him as taking his country to the World Cup.

And with the way the goals are, no defense in the world can stop Kane’s strikes.

Prediction: England top the group

This squad is very good for this team. Croatia away is the only game that carries real danger, and England should go for it.

Ghana: 2026 World Cup preview, star player, prediction

Trainer: Carlos Queiroz
Eligibility: Winners of CAF Group I
Best World Cup: Quarter-final (2010)

Ghana has a history in the World Cup. The 2010 quarter-final, the handball, the tears, the missed penalty, remains one of the most amazing moments in the history of the tournament. The Black Stars have been trying to recapture that magic ever since.

They came to the fifth World Cup after a difficult journey. A huge qualifying campaign showed there was a team on the rise, but the momentum was evident in the months leading up to the finals.

The sacking of Otto Addo brought in Portugal’s experienced manager Carlos Queiroz, a man who has coached Iran, Egypt and Saudi Arabia around the world.

The party’s confirmation brought in a few who were not there. Mohammed Kudus missed the tournament due to injury, a significant blow to Ghana’s creative best.

Mohammed Salisu is also out with an ACL injury, weakening a defensive unit that has conceded just six goals in the qualifiers.

The central midfielder is reinforced by Villarreal’s Thomas Partey, whose 56 appearances and 15 goals underline his importance on the pitch. His admission comes despite pending trial in the UK. He pleaded not guilty.

Jordan Ayew is the captain of the team and is coming to the third World Cup. He scored seven goals and provided seven assists in the playoffs. Inaki Williams (Athletic Club) and Ernest Nuamah (Lyon) add speed to the forward line.

Star Player: Semenyo will embark on an amazing campaign

Semenyo scored 11 goals in 27 games for Manchester City after moving from Bournemouth in January for an initial £62.5m, and helped City lift the Carabao Cup and FA Cup.

He is quick, direct and able to produce moments of individual brilliance that can unlock any defence.

With Kudus out, this is clearly Semenyo’s contest.

Prediction: Ghana fight for second place

Croatia’s match on June 27 in Philadelphia could decide who will join England from this group. Ghana has a talent for creating upsets. Queiroz has the knowledge to stop them from doing it.

Panama: 2026 World Cup preview, star player, prediction

Trainer: Thomas Christiansen
Eligibility: CONCACAF (automatic qualification)
Best World Cup: Group Stage (2018)

Panama was beaten by England 6-1 in their first World Cup match in 2018. They lost all three games without a point. They left Russia with two goals to their name and a 9 goal difference. What a difference eight years make.

Under the tutelage of former Leeds manager Thomas Christiansen, they rose from 81st in the FIFA world rankings to 33rd in a remarkable six-year journey, reaching a peak of 29th by the end of 2025.

Their qualifying campaign saw them win four out of four in CONCACAF’s first group stage, followed by an unbeaten second stage to secure their place in North America and a playoff spot.

The team is built on a reliable base: Amir Murillo at right back (currently playing for Marseille in Ligue 1), Anibal Godoy holding the ball in midfield, and Yoel Barcenas providing intelligence.

Veteran striker Alberto Quintero, 38, finds his place after missing the 2018 World Cup due to injury. A full minute of the striker’s circle.

Star Player: Adalberto ‘Coco’ Carrasquilla