Tournament Preview: Group L
Group L brings together one of the tournament favourites, a proven tournament overachiever, an ambitious African side and a Panama team eager to build on past experience. Let’s take a closer look at Group L in this summer’s big tournament!
England enter the group with major expectations once again, while Croatia’s recent tournament pedigree ensures they remain dangerous opponents capable of producing another deep run.
Ghana possess enough attacking quality to trouble any side in the group, and Panama will arrive determined to claim their first-ever tournament victory.
With several experienced squads and plenty of talent spread throughout the section, Group L could produce some of the most intense matches of the group stage.
England
England head into the tournament as one of the leading contenders to lift the trophy and end the nation’s long wait for global success.
Thomas Tuchel takes charge of his first major tournament with the national side after replacing Gareth Southgate, who guided England to consistent deep runs at major competitions. Expectations remain extremely high given the quality available throughout the squad.
Harry Kane continues to lead the attack and will once again target the Golden Boot, while Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka provide creativity, energy and world-class quality in advanced areas. England’s depth across the pitch remains one of their greatest strengths, with experienced internationals and elite-level talent available in almost every position.
After reaching consecutive finals on the European stage, England arrive believing they are ready to compete seriously for the biggest prize in international football. The aim will be to build momentum quickly during the group stage before launching another strong knockout challenge.
Croatia
Croatia continue to prove themselves as one of the most reliable tournament teams in international football.
A run to the final in the 2018 tournament was followed by a third-place finish in 2022, and despite an ageing core of experienced players, Croatia still possess the quality and mentality needed to compete at the highest level.
Luka Modric remains the symbolic leader of the side, while Ivan Perisic and Josko Gvardiol add further experience and defensive strength. Under Zlatko Dalic, Croatia have consistently shown an ability to rise to the occasion during major tournaments, often outperforming expectations through discipline, organisation and composure under pressure.
Their opening clash against England could immediately shape the direction of the group, and Croatia will believe they have the experience to challenge strongly for qualification once again.
Ghana
Ghana enter the tournament hoping to make a significant impact and reach the knockout stages for the first time since 2010.
The Black Stars possess attacking quality capable of troubling even the strongest defences. Antoine Semenyo provides pace and directness in forward areas, while Mohammed Kudus remains one of the side’s most dangerous creative players when available. Around them, players such as Abdul Fatawu, Jordan Ayew and Brandon Thomas-Asante offer further depth and attacking options.
In midfield, Thomas Partey brings experience and control, while manager Carlos Queiroz provides valuable tournament expertise from the touchline.
Ghana face a difficult challenge in such a competitive group, but they are far from a side simply making up the numbers. If they can find consistency and take advantage of their attacking talent, they could become serious contenders for qualification.
Panama
Panama return to the big stage for only the second time in their history and will be eager to improve on their debut appearance in 2018.
Although they lost all three group matches during that tournament, Panama arrive in better form and with greater experience this time around. Victories over teams including South Africa, Jamaica and the United States in recent years have strengthened confidence heading into the finals.
Manager Thomas Christiansen has overseen steady progress with the national side, building a disciplined and organised team capable of competing aggressively against stronger opposition. Players such as Jose Luis Rodriguez, Andres Andrade and Jose Cordoba will be central to Panama’s hopes of producing positive results.
Claiming a first-ever victory in the competition remains the primary target, but Panama will hope their development over recent years allows them to challenge more effectively at this level.
Conclusion
England enter Group L as favourites thanks to their depth, attacking quality and recent tournament consistency, but Croatia’s proven pedigree ensures the battle for top spot may not be straightforward.
Ghana possess enough talent to seriously challenge for qualification, particularly if their attacking players hit form, while Panama arrive with greater confidence and experience than during their previous tournament appearance.
With experienced tournament sides, emerging challengers and several players capable of producing decisive moments, Group L has all the ingredients to become one of the most competitive groups of the tourmament.
Interesting bets:
- Croatia to win Group L at 4.30
- England to finish 2nd in Group L at 4.25
- Panama not to qualify from Group L at 1.40
Don’t forget that we also have Early Payout on this tournament, which you can read more about here.
Odds might have changed since the writing and/or publication of this article.
Last Updated: 08.06.2026
