Football · New York and Philadelphia
World Cup 2026: England aim to secure Group L top spot against Panama, Croatia face Ghana in must-win decider
England face Panama and Croatia take on Ghana in the final Group L matches of the 2026 World Cup, with knockout qualification and first place on the line.
AI text based on reports by RTBF, La Libre.be, Ouest France and other publishers. Published . How it is made
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In brief
England 4 pts (+2 GD), Ghana 4 pts (+1 GD), Croatia 3 pts (-1 GD), Panama 0 pts (-2 GD).
They face already-eliminated Panama. A victory guarantees top spot; a draw or loss could see them overtaken by Ghana or Croatia.
Only a win assures Croatia a round-of-16 berth. A loss would force them to rely on being among the eight best third-placed teams.
Despite losing both matches 1-0, Panama's narrow defeats suggest they could complicate England's evening.
The matches start at 23:00 CEST; England–Panama in the New York area, Croatia–Ghana in Philadelphia.
The state of Group L
England and Ghana sit level on four points after two matches each, but England's superior goal difference keeps them at the top. Croatia, with three points, can still leapfrog both and win the group, while Panama have lost both their games and can no longer advance.
- England
- 4 pts
- Ghana
- 4 pts
- Croatia
- 3 pts
- Panama
- 0 pts
Data from the article text
England's path
Thomas Tuchel's side opened with a 4-2 victory over Croatia, powered by a Harry Kane brace, then laboured to a 0-0 draw with Ghana. A win against Panama would guarantee first place and a potentially easier last-16 tie. A slip-up, combined with a win for Ghana or Croatia in the other match, could drop England to second or even third.
Panama have lost both group fixtures by the narrowest of margins, falling 1-0 in stoppage time to Ghana and then 1-0 to Croatia despite resolute defending. The Canaleros are already eliminated but will try to finish their tournament with a first point.
Croatia–Ghana: a direct shoot-out
Croatia must beat Ghana in Philadelphia to be certain of reaching the round of 16. After losing 4-2 to England, Luka Modrić and his team kept themselves in contention with a 1-0 win over Panama. A defeat would likely end their World Cup, leaving them to hope for a place among the best third-placed teams from twelve groups.
Ghana have been defensively stubborn, beating Panama 1-0 with a late goal and holding England to a 0-0 draw. Jordan Ayew and his teammates could top the group with a victory if England fail to beat Panama. A draw may suit both sides, depending on results elsewhere.
What comes next
The two matches kick off simultaneously at 23:00 CEST. England–Panama is set for the New York area, while Croatia–Ghana takes place in Philadelphia. The winners will advance, the losers will pack their bags, and the maths of third-place comparison will hover over every close scoreline.
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Sources and context
- RTBFDirect vidéo - Coupe du monde 2026 : l'Angleterre n'a pas le droit à l'erreur face au Panama - RTBF Actus
- La Libre.beCoupe du monde 2026 : l'Angleterre veut conserver sa première place contre le Panama, la Croatie et le Ghana en embuscade (DIRECT à 23h00)
- Ouest FranceDIRECT. Panama - Angleterre, Croatie - Ghana : suivez les derniers matches du groupe L de la Coupe du monde 2026 en live
- Le Monde.frEN DIRECT, Panama-Angleterre et Croatie-Ghana : suivez la dernière journée du groupe L de la Coupe du monde de football
- Thomas Tuchel
- England manager at the 2026 World Cup
- Harry Kane
- England forward, scored twice against Croatia
- Luka Modrić
- Croatia captain and midfielder
- Jordan Ayew
- Ghana forward
- Places
- New York City
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