World Cup 2026 Group L: Standings, results, and who can qualify
England and Ghana made winning starts to their World Cup campaigns, but they arrived there in very different ways.
The Three Lions were involved in one of the most entertaining games of the 2026 World Cup so far, defeating Croatia 4-2 in Dallas. Harry Kane scored twice to draw level with Gary Lineker’s England World Cup scoring record, while Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford also found the net. Croatia fought back twice through Martin Baturina and Petar Musa before England’s quality eventually told in the second half.
Later in Toronto, Ghana appeared destined to settle for a goalless draw against Panama before Caleb Yirenkyi struck in the 95th minute to hand the Black Stars a dramatic 1-0 victory. The late winner transformed the Group L standings and gave Ghana a huge boost heading into its showdown with England.
The result leaves England top of the group on goal difference, with Ghana level on three points. Croatia and Panama already find themselves under pressure heading into Matchday 2. The upcoming clash between England and Ghana on June 23 could decide first place and secure a round-of-32 berth for the winner, while Croatia and Panama meet in what is rapidly becoming a must-win game for both sides.
Group L: results
Group L: standings
After the first matchups in the group, the table looks like this:
| Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| England | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 2 | +2 | 3 |
| Ghana | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | +1 | 3 |
| Panama | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 0 |
| Croatia | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 4 | -2 | 0 |
Group L: remaining games
- June 23: England vs Ghana
- June 23: Panama vs Croatia
- June 27: Panama vs England
- June 27: Croatia vs Ghana
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