Group L

Group L is one of the most narratively rich groups in the tournament, featuring two European heavyweights with unfinished business (England vs Croatia's 2018 semifinal revenge narrative), a resurgent African side under a new manager (Ghana under Carlos Queiroz), and a compact, physical CONCACAF outfit returning for just their second-ever World Cup (Panama). England under Thomas Tuchel emerged from their most dominant qualifying campaign in modern history — 8-0-0, 22 goals, zero conceded — implementing a tactically sophisticated system that creates five-on-four advantages in the final third through full-back inversion.

Harry Kane enters at age 27 in the form of his life (58 goals in all competitions for Bayern Munich in 2025-26), supported by Jude Bellingham's authority from midfield and Bukayo Saka's elite right-side partnership with Trent Alexander-Arnold. England are not just group favorites — they are among the tournament's three or four genuine title contenders. Croatia's golden generation twilight carries Luka Modrić at 40, still operating as an elite midfielder, with Andrej Kramarić's clinical finishing and Joško Gvardiol's left-side threat (fitness permitting) providing genuine second-place credentials.

Ghana under newly-appointed Carlos Queiroz face the challenge of rebuilding defensive organization in minimal preparation time following their March catastrophe (5-1 to Austria, 2-1 to Germany). Antoine Semenyo's elite pace from Manchester City and Mohammed Kudus' creative brilliance are their weapons. Panama bring defensive discipline and set-piece threat through Adalberto Carrasquilla's delivery — their second World Cup ever, and they will treat every minute as a celebration.