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World Cup 2026 Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama
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World Cup 2026 Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama

▲ Peak Trend score: 94 Published: June 18, 2026 Updated: June 18, 2026

By Alexandre Le Hégarat datastats

Group L opened on June 17 with England's thrilling 4–2 win over Croatia at AT&T Stadium, Dallas (Kane brace + Bellingham + Rashford; Croatia: Baturina & Musa), and Ghana's dramatic 1–0 victory over Panama in Toronto (Yirenkyi 90+4'). England top the group on goal difference.

The context

Group L produced two of the most entertaining matches of the 2026 World Cup’s opening week, with a combined 10 goals scored across four nations on June 17.

At AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, England emphatically answered the question of how ready they were for this tournament. Harry Kane struck inside nine minutes — from a penalty that had to be retaken — and Croatia equalised through Martin Baturina to make it a nervy opening. Kane added a second before the break, but Petar Musa headed in from an Ivan Perišić lay-off to make it 2–2 at half-time, the crowd believing Croatia might repeat their famous history of making English tournament exits miserable. England, however, came out transformed after the break. Jude Bellingham drove through the Croatian midfield to restore the lead immediately, and when Marcus Rashford combined with Bukayo Saka late in the match to fire in a fourth, the question was answered. England won 4–2 and go top of Group L.

In Toronto, the match between Ghana and Panama at BMO Field was “chaotic and charged” by any measure, but Caleb Yirenkyi had the final word. In the 90+4’ minute he converted a sweeping counterattack to give Ghana a 1–0 win — a goal that set records for the latest-ever scored by a Ghanaian side at a World Cup. Panama, Central America’s sole representative in the group, were left empty-handed despite a gutsy performance. After Matchday 1, England lead on goal difference over Ghana; Croatia and Panama face must-win scenarios in their remaining games.

People also ask

What teams are in Group L of the 2026 World Cup?#
Group L contains England, Croatia, Ghana, and Panama. England are among the pre-tournament favourites; Croatia, finalists in 2018, are a perennial dark horse; Ghana bring continental quality from West Africa; and Panama are the smallest nation in the group by population and ranked outsiders. Group L matches are played at AT&T Stadium in Arlington (Dallas area) and BMO Field in Toronto, Canada.
What was the score of England vs Croatia at the 2026 World Cup?#
England won 4–2 against Croatia on June 17, 2026, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Harry Kane opened the scoring with a retaken penalty in the 9th minute before adding a second before the break. Jude Bellingham struck immediately after half-time and Marcus Rashford — on as a substitute — sealed it late in the game. Croatia twice equalised in the first half through Martin Baturina and Petar Musa (from an Ivan Perišić lay-off), making it a breathless 2–2 at one point before England pulled clear.
Who scored for England against Croatia at the 2026 World Cup?#
England's four goals against Croatia on June 17, 2026 came from: Harry Kane (penalty, 9' — retaken) and Kane again (first half); Jude Bellingham (second half, immediately after half-time); and Marcus Rashford (late substitute goal). Croatia's two replies were scored by Martin Baturina and Petar Musa (Perišić assist).
How many goals has Harry Kane scored at the 2026 World Cup?#
Harry Kane scored a brace against Croatia on June 17, his first two goals of the 2026 World Cup. Kane has been one of the world's most prolific strikers for club and country in the 2025-26 season and is among the top candidates to finish as the tournament's top scorer.
What was the score of Ghana vs Panama at the 2026 World Cup?#
Ghana beat Panama 1–0 on June 17, 2026, at BMO Field in Toronto, Canada. The only goal came from Caleb Yirenkyi in the 90+4' minute — a composed finish to a sweeping counterattack that gave Ghana all three points in a match described as 'chaotic and charged' by Al Jazeera. It is Ghana's latest-ever goal scored at a World Cup, surpassing Asamoah Gyan's header against the USA in 2010.
Who is Caleb Yirenkyi?#
Caleb Yirenkyi is Ghana's forward who scored the decisive goal against Panama on June 17, 2026, in the 90+4' minute at BMO Field in Toronto. His late counterattack finish won the match 1–0 and gave Ghana a flying start in Group L. His goal is Ghana's latest-ever in World Cup history, surpassing Asamoah Gyan's famous header against the USA at South Africa 2010.
What are the Group L standings after Matchday 1 of the 2026 World Cup?#
After the opening round of Group L matches (June 17): England lead on 3 points (+2 goal difference). Ghana are second on 3 points (+1). Croatia are third on 0 points (−2). Panama are bottom on 0 points (−1). England and Ghana both won on Matchday 1, setting up an intriguing group where every side must win to stay in contention.
Did Croatia play well against England at the 2026 World Cup?#
Croatia showed their quality, twice equalising in the first half through Baturina and Musa, but England were ultimately too strong over 90 minutes. The 4–2 scoreline does not fully reflect how competitive the first half was. Croatia, who reached the 2018 World Cup final and the 2022 semi-final, will need to recover quickly — they cannot afford another defeat.
Where does Group L play its matches at the 2026 World Cup?#
Group L matches are split between AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas (in the Dallas area — one of the US's largest stadiums) and BMO Field in Toronto, Canada. England vs Croatia and Ghana vs Panama both took place on June 17; future Group L fixtures will rotate between these venues.

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