2026 World Cup Group L Odds: Preview, Schedule & Standings
Get the full World Cup 2026 Group L breakdown, including teams, World Cup odds, match schedule, predictions, and key players. Updated standings and analysis throughout the tournament.
England topped Group L with 7 points after winning two matches and drawing one. Croatia followed in second place with 6 points to secure automatic qualification. Ghana’s 4-point total proved enough to advance as one of the best third-place teams, while Panama finished bottom of the group and exited the tournament.
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World Cup Group L Standings
| Team | Played | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goal Difference | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| England | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | +4 | 7 |
| Croatia | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 6 |
| Ghana | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 |
| Panama | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | -4 | 0 |
World Cup Group L Schedule
The Group L schedule will play out at various World Cup stadiums in the United States and Canada.
Matchday 1
- Wednesday, June 17: England vs. Croatia – 4 p.m. ET (Dallas, USA)
- Wednesday, June 17: Ghana vs. Panama – 7 p.m. ET (Toronto, CA)
Matchday 2
- Tuesday, June 23: England vs. Ghana – 4 p.m. ET (Boston, USA)
- Tuesday, June 23: Panama vs. Croatia – 7 p.m. ET (Toronto, CA)
Matchday 3
- Saturday, June 27: Panama vs. England – 5 p.m. ET (New York/New Jersey, USA)
- Saturday, June 27: Croatia vs. Ghana – 5 p.m. ET (Philadelphia, USA)
The final group matches are usually decisive, with qualification and elimination scenarios playing out simultaneously.
Key Matches to Watch
- England vs. Croatia: Likely the most important match in determining the group winner
- Croatia vs. Ghana: Could decide second place and qualification
- England vs. Ghana: A potential early test for the favorite
World Cup Group L Players to Watch
- Jude Bellingham (England): The Real Madrid (La Liga) midfielder is one of the most complete young players in world football
- Luka Modrić (Croatia): The Real Madrid (La Liga) midfielder continues to be a key leader and playmaker
- Mohammed Kudus (Ghana): The West Ham (Premier League) midfielder is a dynamic attacking threat
- Adalberto Carrasquilla (Panama): The Houston Dynamo (MLS) midfielder is a key creative presence
Group L Team Profiles
Below is a closer look at each team in Group L, including how they qualified, key players, and their World Cup history.
England
England continues to enter major tournaments with high expectations, supported by a deep and talented squad across all positions. The team combines attacking quality with defensive organization, making it a consistent contender.
They will be expected to top the group and push for a deep run in the tournament
- Federation: UEFA
- Key players: Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane, Phil Foden
- World Cup history: 2022 Quarterfinalists
Croatia
Croatia has established itself as one of the most resilient teams in international football, consistently performing well in major tournaments. The squad blends experienced veterans with emerging players, maintaining a strong competitive edge.
They will look to use experience and midfield control to secure qualification.
- Federation: UEFA
- Key players: Luka Modrić, Mateo Kovačić, Joško Gvardiol
- World Cup history: 2018 Runners-up, 2022 Third Place
Ghana
Ghana brings athleticism and attacking potential, often relying on pace and energy to create opportunities. The team has shown it can compete with strong opponents, particularly in group-stage play.
They will aim to stay competitive and challenge for a knockout-stage spot.
- Federation: CAF
- Key players: Mohammed Kudus, Thomas Partey, Iñaki Williams
- World Cup history: Fifth appearance
Panama
Panama continues to develop as a competitive international side, building on its experience from recent tournaments. The team is known for its organization and physicality, often keeping matches close.
They will look to remain disciplined and take advantage of key moments.
- Federation: CONCACAF
- Key players: Adalberto Carrasquilla, Aníbal Godoy, Ismael Díaz
- World Cup history: Second appearance
World Cup Group L Predictions
Here is our best bet for Group L heading into the World Cup:
Dual Forecast: England & Croatia (-165 at DraftKings)
England and Croatia stand out as the two strongest teams in Group L, making this dual forecast one of the more straightforward group-position bets available. While Ghana is capable of causing problems on its day, there’s a noticeable gap in quality and tournament experience between the top two teams and the rest of the group.
England is expected to top the group, while Croatia’s ability to perform on the biggest stage gives them the edge in the race for second place. If both teams avoid any early slip-ups, there’s a good chance they secure the top two spots before the final round of matches.
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