England set for Croatia test in World Cup group stage

ISLAMABAD: England will begin their 2026 World Cup campaign against familiar opponents Croatia after the group-stage draw placed the two sides together in Group L, alongside Ghana and Panama.

Thomas Tuchel's side are widely expected to advance from the group at the tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada. England, winners in 1966, are among the teams viewed as contenders for the title as Tuchel targets the prize after taking charge in October 2024 following a series of near-misses under Gareth Southgate.

The German coach has largely retained the core of the squad that came through qualifying with eight wins from eight matches without conceding a goal. At the same time, he has left out several high-profile players, including Phil Foden and Cole Palmer, saying he wants to build a

brotherhood

within his 26-man group.

England's squad includes established names such as Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice, though concerns remain over limited tournament experience in defence and the team's dependence on Kane for goals. Under Southgate, England reached two European Championship finals but were beaten on both occasions. They also lost to Croatia in the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup in Russia before being knocked out by France in the quarter-finals in Qatar four years later.

Croatia lead the challenge

Croatia are expected to provide England's toughest test in Group L, with the teams due to meet in their opening match in Arlington, Texas, on June 17. Despite a population of fewer than four million, Croatia have built a strong World Cup record, finishing third on their debut in 1998, ending as runners-up in Russia in 2018 and taking third place again in Qatar.

Zlatko Dalic's team came through qualifying unbeaten, winning seven games and drawing one. Since their World Cup semi-final meeting in 2018, England and Croatia have faced each other three times, with England winning twice and one match ending level.

Luka Modric remains Croatia's captain and central figure at the age of 40 as he approaches 200 international appearances. The 2018 Ballon d'Or winner, now with AC Milan, suffered a fractured cheekbone in late April but is expected to be available. Croatia's squad also includes 37-year-old PSV Eindhoven winger Ivan Perisic and Manchester City duo Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic.

Ghana and Panama complete Group L

Ghana, ranked 74th in the world, reached the World Cup quarter-finals in 2010 but went out in the group stage in both 2014 and 2022. The Black Stars are coached by former Portugal and Iran manager Carlos Queiroz. Their attacking options include Manchester City winger Antoine Semenyo, while Tottenham forward Mohammed Kudus is unavailable because of injury.

Panama, who are 33rd in the FIFA rankings, have appeared at the World Cup once, in 2018, when they lost all three matches. One of those defeats was a 6-1 loss to England. During qualifying, forward Jose Fajardo and winger Jose Luis Rodriguez finished as the team's joint leading scorers, while striker Cecilio Waterman is also among their key players.