Group L

England

UEFA · FIFA #4

England arrive at the 2026 FIFA World Cup under German coach Thomas Tuchel with a genuine belief that 60 years of hurt can finally end. The Three Lions boast arguably their strongest squad since 1966, led by Real Madrid's extraordinary Jude Bellingham - already one of the world's best players at just 22 - alongside the brilliance of Bukayo Saka, Harry Kane's prolific goal-scoring, and Phil Foden's creative genius. Group L with Croatia, Panama, and Ghana is a group England should win comfortably, setting up what could be a historic knockout run. After heartbreaking semi-final exits at 2018 and Euro 2020, and another final defeat at Euro 2024, the belief - and the talent - are finally aligned for England to go all the way.

Base camp: Kansas City, Missouri

Croatia

UEFA · FIFA #15

Croatia, one of the greatest small-nation success stories in World Cup history, arrive at 2026 to defend the legacy of their extraordinary 2018 run to the final - and their remarkable third-place finishes in 1998 and 2022. Captain Luka Modrić, widely considered one of the greatest midfielders of all time, plays in his fifth World Cup at age 40, providing inspiration and technical leadership to a squad that will need his experience and class. Coach Zlatko Dalić has maintained Croatia's incredible run of tournament performances, with Joško Gvardiol emerging as one of Europe's best young defenders. Group L against England, Panama, and Ghana is Croatia's clearest path to the knockout rounds, where they become a different team entirely.

Base camp: Alexandria, Virginia

Panama

CONCACAF · FIFA #70

Panama make their third consecutive World Cup appearance in 2026, cementing their status as a genuine CONCACAF force after a rapid rise in Central American football. Los Canaleros, coached by Danish-born Thomas Christiansen, qualified with a mix of MLS players and Central American-based talent that reflects the growing depth of Panamanian football. Group L against England, Croatia, and Ghana is their toughest group in three World Cup cycles, but Panama's physical, hard-running style makes them competitive opponents who can take points from anyone. Their passionate support base and the national pride invested in each World Cup appearance makes Panama one of the tournament's most colourful participants.

Base camp: New Tecumseth, Ontario

Ghana

CAF · FIFA #32

Ghana, the only African nation to reach a World Cup quarter-final this millennium (South Africa 2010), arrive at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a renewed sense of purpose under the returning Otto Addo. The Black Stars have a proud World Cup tradition and a talented squad - Arsenal's Thomas Partey brings Premier League class in midfield, while the mercurial Mohammed Kudus and the electric Kamaldeen Sulemana provide attacking flair. Group L against England, Croatia, and Panama is a balanced draw where Ghana can realistically challenge for a knockout place. West Africa's most successful World Cup nation, Ghana carry the hopes of the continent alongside Morocco and Senegal.

Base camp: Smithfield, Rhode Island

1L · Group winner

1L faces a third-placed team in M82

2L · Runner-up

2L faces 2E in M82

3L · Third (if best-of-12)

Third-place option pool 6. Only the top 8 of 12 third-placed teams qualify.