World Cup 2026 Group L final standings: Results and teams qualified for the round of 32
Despite failing to impress again, England grabbed top spot on Saturday, as three teams progressed from Group L.
England secured top spot in Group L with a labored victory over Panama on Saturday, while Nikola Vlasic’s late winner for Croatia earned the 2018 finalists second place ahead of Ghana.
How Group L matchday three unfolded:
Having already qualified for the round of 32, England made sure they headed through as group winners, beating the eliminated Panamanians 2-0 at MetLife Stadium. It was, though, another unimpressive showing from Thomas Tuchel’s men. After a drab goalless draw with Ghana four days earlier, the Three Lions again struggled to find a way through a low block on matchday three.
In a short second-half spell, however, England got what they needed. First, Jude Bellingham poked home Bukayo Saka’s 62nd-minute corner; five minutes later, Bellingham crossed for Harry Kane to head past goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera. The goal was Kane’s 11th in his men’s World Cup career - a new English record, overtaking Gary Lineker.
Although they had far less of the ball - 33%, to be precise - Panama’s occasional forward forays actually caused a shaky England defense some bother. Indeed, the Canaleros found the net in second-half stoppage time - but José Fajardo’s finish was ruled out for offside.
A vintage goal from Harry Kane adds to the England lead! 🔥
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) June 27, 2026
via @TelemundoSports pic.twitter.com/47cIpnIIwJ
Elsewhere in Group L, Croatia’s 2-1 win in Philadelphia sent the Vatreni through in second, ahead of a Ghana team whose progression had been confirmed before a ball had been kicked on Saturday.
After Derrick Luckassen had cancelled out Petar Sucic’s long-range strike, Vlasic nodded in Luka Modric’s corner in the 82nd minute, as the Croats leapfrogged the Ghanaians into the group’s automatic qualification berths. The Black Stars go through as one of the best third-placed teams - the first time they’ve reached the knockout rounds of a men’s World Cup since their 2010 run to the quarterfinals.
Group L: results
Matchday one: June 17
Matchday two: June 23
Matchday three: June 27
Group L: final standings
| Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| England (Q) | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 2 | +4 | 7 |
| Croatia (Q) | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 6 |
| Ghana (Q) | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 |
| Panama (E) | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 4 | -4 | 0 |
Who do England, Croatia and Ghana play in the round of 32? Matchups and schedule:
After topping Group L, England have been paired with Group K’s third-placed finisher, the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Competing at only the second men’s World Cup in their history, the Léopards advanced after claiming a first ever tournament win on Saturday, beating Uzbekistan 3-1.
Croatia and Ghana will also face opposition from Group K. Zlatko Dalic’s team face a heavyweight last-32 clash against two-time semifinalists Portugal, while the Ghanaians take on Colombia, who won the group ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo and Co.
- July 1, 12 noon ET: England vs DR Congo, Atlanta
- July 2, 7:00 p.m. ET: Portugal vs Croatia, Toronto
- July 3, 9:30 p.m. ET: Colombia vs Ghana, Kansas City
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