FIFA World Cup Group L | Group L Analysis, Preview and Best Bets

Is football coming home? England headline World Cup Group L and are amongst the outright tournament favorites. However, this will be far from a procession. Our World Cup group previews conclude with this section, in which Croatia, Ghana and Panama are all ready to dethrone the English. Keep up to date with all of the action on the World Cup Gambling Podcast

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Location: Dallas, Boston, New Jersey, Toronto, Philadelphia

June 17  England v Croatia
June 18  Ghana v Panama
June 23  England v Ghana
June 24  Panama v Croatia
June 27  Panama v England
June 27  Ghana v Croatia

FIFA World Cup 2026 | Group L Analysis and Best Bets

World Cup Group L brings together four nations with distinct footballing identities and plenty of intrigue. England arrive as favourites, armed with depth and attacking talent, but Croatia’s tournament experience and technical control make them dangerous opponents. Ghana inject pace and unpredictability, capable of unsettling anyone on their day. Finally, Panama provide grit and organisation, eager to prove they belong at this level.

With matches spread across Dallas, Boston, New Jersey, Toronto and Philadelphia, this group promises variety in both style and setting. From England’s precision to Ghana’s flair, Croatia’s composure and Panama’s resilience. It’s a section that could swing on fine margins, and every fixture feels capable of reshaping the path to the knockout rounds. Find all of the results and standings here

England 6/1, To Win Group -300, Q -25000 No 16/1

Thomas Tuchel has certainly made headlines with his bold 26‑man England squad. Leaving out Harry Maguire, Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, and Trent Alexander‑Arnold was a statement of intent, showing his readiness to reshape the team in his own image. Emphasising that “teams win championships,” Tuchel reminded the media that unity, leadership, and selflessness will define England’s campaign.

Qualification was smooth, with eight wins from eight and not a single goal conceded, underlining their defensive strength. His preferred 4‑2‑3‑1 system is likely to feature Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson in midfield, while Reece James looks set to start at right‑back. Manchester City’s Nico O’Reilly could be handed the left‑back role. Going forward, the attack looks formidable, with Morgan Rogers and Bukayo Saka supporting Harry Kane, who enters the tournament in extraordinary form after scoring 61 goals in 51 games for Bayern Munich. If Kane stays fit and the squad adapts to the heat of the U.S., England have every chance of going deep.

Gareth Southgate built a strong bond between the team and the public, guiding England to major semi‑finals and finals, but his tactical caution often proved costly. Tuchel, by contrast, brings a sharper edge and proven tournament pedigree. Whether this campaign ends in joy or heartbreak remains to be seen, but England under Tuchel promise to be bold, disciplined, and ready to chase history.

Croatia 80/1, To Win Group +350, Q -400 No +275

Croatia open their World Cup campaign against England at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington. That fixture could ultimately shape the outcome of Group L. Ranked 11th by FIFA, Zlatko Dalić’s side arrive with vast experience but also an aging core, with an average squad age above 28 — a potential concern given the demanding U.S. conditions. Replicating their remarkable run to the 2018 final, where they lost 4–2 to France, would require something special. Even in 2022, after a 3–0 semi‑final defeat to Argentina, the Vatreni showed resilience by beating Morocco 2–1 to claim third place. All eyes will once again be on Luka Modrić, entering his fifth World Cup at 40 years old and sitting on 196 caps. His influence remains immense, though Croatia’s reliance on him may prove a double‑edged sword.

Croatia qualified unbeaten, with standout wins over Montenegro and the Czech Republic, and their March friendlies in the U.S, a 2–1 victory over Colombia and a 3–1 loss to Brazil, offered a mixed but competitive picture. Croatia should start strongly and possess enough quality to reach the last 16, yet advancing further will be difficult. The spine of the team still leans heavily on Modrić, Ivan Perišić, Andrej Kramarić, and Mateo Kovačić , all exceptional players, but all past their physical peak.

Ghana 400/1, To Win Group 10/1, Q -200 No +137

Ghana enter the 2026 World Cup with mixed emotions and plenty to prove. Ranked 74th by FIFA, the Black Stars missed out on the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for the first time since 2004, so qualification for this tournament came as a huge relief.

They secured their spot by finishing top of CAF Group I, earning vital wins over Mali and Madagascar when it mattered most. However, their recent form in friendlies has been poor, with five straight defeats, only two goals scored, and twelve conceded. Former Manchester United manager Carlos Queiroz has been appointed to steady the ship, bringing calm authority and vast international experience to a side that needs structure and belief.

Ghana still possess exciting talent, with Manchester City winger Antoine Semenyo offering pace and power, Mohammed Kudus providing creativity if fit, and Athletic Bilbao’s Inaki Williams adding finishing quality. Their opening match against Panama in Toronto will be crucial for confidence and momentum. If Ghana can rediscover their rhythm early, they have the individual quality to trouble even the favourites in this group

Panama 1500/1, To Win Group 50/1, Q +175 No -250

Panama make their second World Cup appearance, having first featured in Russia in 2018. Los Canaleros earned their place by topping Group A in CONCACAF qualifying, finishing strongly with a 3–0 win over El Salvador and overtaking Suriname at the summit.

Under Thomas Christiansen, they will rely heavily on José Fajardo and Cecilio Waterman, who combined for four goals in the final round of qualifying. Their best chance of a positive result may come in their opening match against Ghana at BMO Field in Toronto, a fixture that could set the tone for their campaign. Recent performances have been encouraging, including two competitive outings against South Africa and a narrow defeat to Mexico, showing that Panama can keep games tight and frustrate opponents. Christiansen is expected to stick with his preferred 3‑4‑2‑1 system, with Waterman leading the line, while out of possession they will likely drop into a compact 5‑4‑1 shape.

This side looks more disciplined and organised than in 2018, with Adalberto Carrasquilla anchoring the midfield after an impressive build‑up to the tournament. I think there’s a misconception that this Panama side will mirror the defensive side of 2018, however I disagree. They make chances, and with no.9 they’d score goals.

World Cup Group L Picks

England’s Harry Kane is on fire and after crashing in 61 goals in 51 games for Bayern Munich seems big for Top Goalscorer at 7-1. Croatia’s odds may shorten after a positive group-stage showing, but the knockout rounds could expose their limitations. Croatia to be eliminated in the Last 16 at 3-1 looks a value play.Panama are more offensive than you think. Take them to cover their 2.5 total goal line. Group L is under-rated in the goals market, 10-1 to be the highest scoring group is juicy.

Harry Kane Golden Boot 7/1

Croatia exit Last 16 3/1

Panama o2.5 Team Goals +110

Group L Highest Scoring Group 10/1