Group L of the 2026 FIFA World Cup features a fierce rivalry among England, Croatia, Panama, and Ghana as they battle for advancement into the Round of 32. But does this group qualify as the “Group of Death”?
The resolution to this query might not be evident until the tournament kicks off in June, yet the competitive spirit of Group L is undeniable, with England already positioned as a front-runner.
“I thank the soccer gods for this group when it comes to England,” U.S. Soccer legend Alexi Lalas shared during FOX Sports’ post-draw discussion on Friday. “This is not an easy group, [but] I still think England is going to find a way out of it. England, Croatia, Ghana and Panama; that’s a difficult draw.”
“I think you’re hard-pressed to find, immediately, a Group of Death, but I think you would point to that group and say, ‘Certainly, those three teams right there can beat each other up,’ and then you have Panama that maybe can throw something in there. This is a fun group. This is an interesting group.”
Thierry Henry is also captivated by Group L, but has also noted the competitiveness of Group I, featuring Senegal and Norway alongside his native France.
“It’s tough to call groups now ‘Group of Death’ because the third team can go through,” Henry commented. “Back in the day, you finish third, you’re out. But it is a special one because, once again, that France - Senegal will be the same for England-Ghana.”
With Englands’ pool of talent, they should have an edge in this group; however, previous tournament experiences and the skills present within Croatia could complicate predictions.
“The Croatians are a tournament team, though, even though Luka Modric is pushing 65 years old and moves like an 18-year-old, he’s a conductor,” former U.S. men’s national team midfielder Stu Holden shared. “England will be, come next summer, one of the favorites to win the competition, and I think they’re going to have trouble with Croatia.”
Holden also notes that England and Croatia should not ignore the challenge posed by Panama.
“They’ve struggled a little during qualifications but have a very good coach in Thomas Christiansen who plans well. They adopt a very risk-averse strategy, sitting back and absorbing pressure.”
Panama, who did not qualify for the 2022 World Cup, managed to reach the quarterfinals of both the 2024 Copa America and 2025 Gold Cup. Could they surprise the world in 2026?
Only time will tell for these four nations, but expect intense matches in Group L.
