England sealed first place in Group L, while Croatia and Ghana also booked their places in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 after a dramatic final matchday.
England defeated Panama 2-0 at MetLife Stadium to finish top of the group with seven points. Croatia edged Ghana 2-1 in Philadelphia, but despite the defeat, Ghana advanced as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.
FIFA World Cup 2026: Group L Complete Schedule
Group L Final Matchday Results
- Panama 0-2 England
- Croatia 2-1 Ghana
Panama 0-2 England: Three Lions Finish Top
England completed the group stage unbeaten with a composed 2-0 victory over Panama.
After a frustrating first hour against a disciplined Panamanian defence, Jude Bellingham broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute with a well-taken finish from Bukayo Saka’s corner. Just five minutes later, Bellingham turned provider, setting up Harry Kane to double England’s advantage and secure maximum points.
The result saw England finish on 7 points, topping Group L and extending their unbeaten start to the tournament.
FIFA World Cup 2026 (Group L): Panama vs England Official Match Stats
England Goalscorers
- Jude Bellingham (62′)
- Harry Kane (67′)
Croatia 2-1 Ghana: Vatreni Secure Second Place
Croatia confirmed second place in Group L with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Ghana.
Petar Sučić gave Croatia the lead in the 31st minute after excellent work from Mateo Kovačić. Ghana improved after the break and found an equaliser through Derrick Luckassen in the 73rd minute following a VAR review.
Croatia responded brilliantly, restoring their lead ten minutes later when Nikola Vlašić headed home from a Mario Pašalić corner. Zlatko Dalić’s side held firm during the closing stages to secure qualification.
FIFA World Cup 2026 (Group L): Croatia vs Ghana Official Match Stats
Croatia Goalscorers
- Petar Sučić (31′)
- Nikola Vlašić (83′)
Ghana Goalscorer
- Derrick Luckassen (73′)
Ghana Progress Despite Defeat
Although Ghana lost to Croatia, the Black Stars advanced to the Round of 32 as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.
Their four-point tally proved enough to keep their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign alive, making Group L one of the most competitive groups of the tournament.
FIFA World Cup 2026: Round of 32 Qualified Teams
Group L Final Standings
| Position | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | England | 7 |
| 2 | Croatia | 6 |
| 3 | Ghana | 4 |
| 4 | Panama | 0 |
Teams Qualified from Group L
- 🏴 England – Group Winners
- 🇭🇷 Croatia – Group Runners-up
- 🇬🇭 Ghana – Best Third-Placed Team
Match Highlights
- England finished unbeaten and topped Group L.
- Jude Bellingham scored and assisted against Panama.
- Harry Kane scored his second goal of the tournament.
- Croatia secured runners-up spot with a 2-1 victory over Ghana.
- Ghana progressed despite defeat thanks to their strong third-place record.
- Panama exited the tournament without earning a point.
Group L concluded with England claiming first place, Croatia finishing second, and Ghana keeping their World Cup dream alive by securing one of the coveted Round of 32 spots reserved for the best third-placed teams.