Group L has moved from preview mode to results mode. England finish first after two wins and a draw, capped by the 2-0 result against Panama in New York/New Jersey.
Croatia's final-day 2-1 win over Ghana changed the second-place race. Ghana had entered the window on four points, but Croatia reached six and took the direct route.
Ghana are not eliminated by third place because four points confirmed a best-third-place Round of 32 route. Panama finish fourth without a point and are eliminated.
Group L final table route
CompleteFinal Group L picture
ResultsEngland win Group L
England finish on seven points after beating Croatia and Panama and drawing Ghana.
Croatia advance second
Croatia finish on six points after back-to-back wins over Panama and Ghana.
Ghana qualify from third
Ghana finish third on four points and qualify through the best-third-place route.
Panama exit
Panama finish fourth without a point after three defeats.
Group L fixture list
6 matchesGhana vs Panama
Final - Ghana 1-0 Panama
Ghana's 1-0 win over Panama became the four-point platform that later carried them through as a best third-place side.
Match RecapEngland vs Croatia
Final - England 4-2 Croatia
England's 4-2 win over Croatia created the goal cushion that helped them control the group.
Match RecapEngland vs Ghana
Final - England 0-0 Ghana
England and Ghana drew 0-0 in Boston, keeping England first before the final window.
Match RecapPanama vs Croatia
Final - Panama 0-1 Croatia
Croatia beat Panama 1-0 in Toronto to keep a direct top-two route alive.
Match RecapPanama vs England
Final - Panama 0-2 England
England beat Panama 2-0 in New York/New Jersey and won Group L on seven points.
Fixture DetailsCroatia vs Ghana
Final - Croatia 2-1 Ghana
Croatia beat Ghana 2-1 in Philadelphia to finish second, while Ghana still qualified through the best-third-place route.
Fixture DetailsWhat to watch
Matchday guideTop two settled
England and Croatia take the direct Group L qualification places.
Third-place table
Ghana's four points now sit safely inside the best-third-place qualifiers.
Bracket next
Winner Group L and Runner-up Group L now drop into their Round of 32 lanes.
FAQ
Which teams are in World Cup 2026 Group L?
Group L includes Ghana, Panama, England, Croatia.
How many matches are in Group L?
Group L has six group-stage matches, with each team playing three fixtures.
When does Group L finish?
Group L finishes with Panama vs England and Croatia vs Ghana on June 27, 2026.