The path for Gareth Southgate's England team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been set following the official draw ceremony in Washington D.C. The Three Lions now know they will face Croatia, Panama, and Ghana in the group stage of the expanded tournament.
Group L Fixtures and Tournament Details
The draw, held on Friday 5th December 2025, placed England into Group L. Their campaign will begin against Croatia on 17th June 2026, with the match set to be played in either Dallas, USA, or Toronto, Canada. They will then meet Panama on 23rd June, before concluding the group phase against Ghana on 27th June.
The 2026 edition is unique, being hosted across three nations: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The tournament kicks off in Mexico City and will conclude with the final in New Jersey, USA, lasting just over a month next summer. The draw event was notable for the attendance of former US President Donald Trump, who was presented with a new FIFA peace award.
Analysing England's Group Stage Opponents
Croatia represents a formidable and familiar first hurdle. This will be only the second World Cup meeting between the sides; England suffered a painful 2-1 extra-time defeat to Croatia in the 2018 semi-final in Russia. That Croatian side, led by Ballon d'Or winner Luka Modrić, went on to lose the final to France. Despite an ageing squad, their big-tournament pedigree and experienced core, including goalkeeper Dominik Livaković, make them dangerous opponents.
Panama offers a different challenge. England have faced them once before at a World Cup, securing a 6-1 victory in the 2018 group stage. This will be Panama's second-ever finals appearance, and they arrive in good form, having been unbeaten in 12 competitive matches this year barring a penalty shoot-out loss. Coach Thomas Christiansen, formerly of Leeds United, will look to strikers José Fajardo and Cecilio Waterman for inspiration.
Ghana completes the group, setting up a potentially decisive final match for England. The Black Stars qualified impressively, winning eight of their ten games in CAF Group I. This is their fifth World Cup finals appearance, with their best run being the last 16 in 2006. Under head coach Otto Addo, who returned for a second spell in March 2023, they will be aiming to progress beyond the group stage after early exits in 2014 and 2022.
The Road Ahead for the Three Lions
The fixture order presents a clear narrative: a tough opener against 2018 finalists Croatia, a match against perceived underdogs Panama, and a final group game against a physical Ghanaian side. While on paper England will be favourites to advance, history with Croatia provides a cautionary tale. The expanded 48-team format means progression from the group is more likely, but securing top spot could be crucial for an easier knockout round draw.
All eyes will now turn to Southgate's squad selection and preparation as England builds towards their opening match in Dallas or Toronto on 17th June 2026.
