2026 World Cup: Ghana to play  England, Croatia and Panama in Group L

A challenging but exciting Group for the Black Stars

Ghana’s Black Stars have been placed in Group L of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they will face England, Croatia and Panama. The draw presents a balanced mix of European powerhouses and a rising CONCACAF side, setting the stage for an intriguing group-stage battle.

Opening Test: Ghana vs. Panama in Dallas

Ghana’s World Cup journey will begin on Wednesday, June 17, with a crucial opener against Panama in Dallas, USA. The match is expected to be decisive in shaping the momentum of the group, as both teams will view this as an opportunity to gain early points before meeting the group’s heavyweights.

A Historic and Expanded World Cup

The 2026 edition, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, marks a historic expansion of the tournament from 32 to 48 teams. The new format introduces 12 groups of four, providing more nations the chance to compete on the global stage.
An additional 22 nations will enter playoffs in March to determine the final six qualifiers, fully rounding out the competition.

A Tournament Like No Other

Running from June 11 to July 19 across 16 venues in North America, the World Cup will feature a record 104 matches. Of these, 78 games will be played in 11 NFL stadiums across the United States, including every match from the quarterfinals onward.
Mexico and Canada will each host 13 matches, expanding the tournament’s footprint across the continent.

A Grand Finale at MetLife Stadium

The final will take place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, and will include the first-ever World Cup halftime show—an entertainment milestone for global football. With the new format, the path to the trophy will also be more demanding: group winners, runners-up, and the eight best third-placed teams will advance to a newly created round of 32.
The eventual champions will need to navigate eight matches in total, making victory more grueling and meaningful than ever.

Black Stars Ready for the Challenge

With a blend of experienced players and emerging talents, Ghana will approach the tournament with confidence and ambition. Facing formidable opponents in England and Croatia, and a spirited Panama side, the Black Stars’ journey promises drama, intensity and unforgettable moments for fans at home and abroad.