With the 2026 FIFA World Cup just days away, a detailed analysis of Group L is presented. This group features England and Croatia competing for the top spot, Ghana aiming for a playoff berth, and Panama seeking to avoid repeating the anti-record of their 2018 debut.
England, the 1966 world champions and 17-time tournament participants, exited the 2022 World Cup in the quarterfinals against eventual champions France. They breezed through qualifying, scoring 22 goals and conceding none. Ranked 4th by FIFA, manager Thomas Tuchel employs a 4−2−3−1 formation with captain Harry Kane (Bayern Munich) leading the attack. Kane has 78 goals for England, making him the all-time top scorer. The midfield features Declan Rice (Arsenal) and Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), with Bukayo Saka (Arsenal) and Marcus Rashford (Barcelona) on the wings. However, friendlies against Uruguay (1−1) and Japan (0−1) exposed weaknesses, and injuries to Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham have hampered the squad.
Croatia is making their seventh World Cup appearance, with their best result being a silver medal in 2018 and a bronze in 2022. They qualified with six wins and one draw. Ranked 11th by FIFA, Zlatko Dalić continues to lead the team, relying on 40-year-old Luka Modrić (Milan), goalkeeper Dominik Livaković (Fenerbahçe), and Mateo Kovačić (Manchester City). However, the team lacks creativity compared to the 1990s generation and has defensive vulnerabilities.
Ghana, the “Black Stars,” are making their fifth World Cup appearance. Their best result was a quarterfinal finish in 2010. In 2022, they finished last in their group. Qualifying began with a shocking loss to Comoros but ended with a first-place finish. Ranked 74th by FIFA, Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz took over in April. Key players include Jordan Ayew (Leicester), Thomas Partey (Villarreal), and Iñaki Williams (Athletic Bilbao). However, injuries to Mohammed Kudus (Tottenham) and Mohammed Salisu (Monaco), along with a weak goalkeeping line, are major concerns.
Panama is making their second World Cup appearance. Their debut in 2018 ended with three losses. They qualified with seven wins and three draws. Ranked 33rd by FIFA, coach Thomas Christiansen employs a 4−3−3 system focused on pressing and ball control. Key players include Adalberto Carrasquilla (Pumas), Amir Murillo (Beşiktaş), and José Fajardo (Universidad Católica). However, the squad is relatively unknown and lacks experience at this level.
According to Opta predictions, England is the group favorite, Croatia is expected to take second place, Ghana third, and Panama fourth. Gazeta analysts believe England and Croatia will advance to the knockout stage, while Ghana and Panama will be eliminated in the group phase.
Source: www.gazeta.uz