After a 54-day wait since defeating Comoros 1–0 in their final 2026 World Cup qualifier, Ghana’s Black Stars finally know their opponents for the expanded 48-team global showpiece.
Ghana has been drawn into Group L, where they will face three fresh opponents at World Cup level 2018 semi-finalists England, 2018 runners-up Croatia, and Panama, who are making only their second appearance at the tournament.
Unlike previous World Cups that featured familiar rivals such as Mexico and South Africa in 2010 or Scotland and Morocco in 1998, all three teams present new challenges.
After failing to progress from the group stage in their last two World Cup outings, including Qatar 2022, Ghana will be looking to reverse their fortunes in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Head coach Otto Addo, who has now guided Ghana to consecutive World Cups, is expected to push for qualification from Group L but whether that is achievable remains to be seen.
England
Ghana and England have met only once, a 2011 friendly at Wembley where Asamoah Gyan scored a memorable equaliser after Andy Carroll’s opener. England come into the 2026 World Cup ranked fourth in the FIFA rankings, having completed a perfect qualifying campaign eight wins, 22 goals scored, and none conceded.
Led by Thomas Tuchel, the 1966 champions are considered among the favourites. With Harry Kane spearheading the attack and stars like Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham adding quality, England boast one of the most formidable squads. They are also unbeaten in eight matches against African teams, including five victories at World Cups.
Croatia
Croatia will be aiming to give captain Luka Modrić a fitting farewell as he prepares for what is likely his final major tournament at age 40. The Europeans, who are ranked 10th by FIFA, have reached the semi-finals at the last two World Cups and performed strongly in qualifiers—winning seven of eight matches, scoring 26 times, and conceding only four.
Despite never winning a major title, Croatia’s squad is stacked with experience and quality, including Modrić, Manchester City’s Joško Gvardiol, and PSV winger Ivan Perišić. They have never played Ghana at senior level but have a generally positive World Cup record against African teams.
Panama
Panama sealed their spot at the 2026 tournament by topping their Concacaf qualifying group unbeaten, finishing ahead of Suriname, Guatemala, and El Salvador. Under coach Thomas Christiansen, they continue to show steady progress.
This will be their second World Cup appearance after debuting in 2018. Their squad features several seasoned players, including Aníbal Godoy, Alberto Quintero, Eric Davis, and goalkeeper Luis Mejía. Ranked 30th in the world, Panama may lack star names but are known for their discipline and resilience. Ghana have never met them in a competitive fixture.
Analysis – A group of opportunities and risks
Otto Addo believes Ghana can “beat anyone on a good day,” and the group certainly presents both possibilities and obstacles. England are the strongest team on paper, but Ghana’s squad includes several players familiar with the English football landscape, such as Jordan Ayew, Antoine Semenyo, Mohammed Kudus, and Fatawu Issahaku.
Croatia are not always clinical in attack a weakness evident during their group-stage exit at Euro 2024 and Panama may be the side Ghana are best positioned to beat. But the Black Stars’ inconsistency remains a major concern.
Ghana have never beaten a top-seeded nation at a World Cup (three defeats and one draw), and England’s disciplined approach under Tuchel could extend that record. Croatia’s pedigree makes them tough opponents, while Panama’s higher ranking 42 places above Ghana means they cannot be overlooked.
Ghana begins their campaign on Wednesday, June 17 against Panama, then face England six days later before closing out the group against Croatia on June 27. A solid start will be crucial. A win in the opener could boost confidence for the tougher fixtures ahead.
With the new format allowing eight of the best third-placed teams to advance, finishing third in Group L remains a plausible target if Ghana take their chances.