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Here we go again. It’s another World Cup and another opportunity for England to end 60 years of hurt. The Three Lions compete in Group L alongside Croatia, Ghana, and Panama.
The 1966 World champions are the betting favourites to win the pool and book their safe passage to the next phase. They’re in fine form, but will Thomas Tuchel’s side deliver?
Experienced betting pundit Frank Monkhouse offers his in-depth look at Group L. He highlights the latest betting odds, updates readers on the schedule, picks four players to follow this summer, and offers a Group L forecast at odds of 3/1.
You can take his predictions, create a Bet Builder or go with your own fancies. Flashscore has everything you need.
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Group L at a glance
England are the pre-competition betting favourites to win Group L.
According to the latest odds, Croatia will be the main danger.
Oddsmakers are confident that Panama will finish last.
England open against Croatia at the AT&T Stadium, Arlington.
You can bet on the group winner to qualify, and finish bottom.
Group winner and qualification
The bookmaker’s odds should never put you off a bet, but it’s always worth checking what the traders fancy. Odds allow you to calculate how much a bet would return, but prices also give an idea of the expected finishing order.
Winner: Traders working at bet365 expect England to win Group L without too much fuss. They’re offering odds of 2/7 on the favourites, and I’m confident that’ll attract attention. If England beat Croatia on matchday one, those odds will shorten.
Runner-up: If Group L goes the way the betting predicts, Croatia will finish in the silver medal position. The top two teams from each pool move to the knockout rounds, joined by the best third-place finishers.
Dark horse: Could Ghana muscle their way into the prize places to deny those above them in the betting? They performed well in qualifying, booking their slot thanks to eight wins, one draw, and a defeat.
Underdog: The team that’s expected to struggle and head home in June is Panama. Odds of 50/1 prove that the bookies believe Panama will end without a win. Harsh, but it’s difficult to argue, given the group they’re in.
England are one of the pre-competition favourites in the Group L winner market and the World Cup 2026 outright market. They impressed in qualifying, boast a supremely talented squad, have competition-winning experience, and enjoy strong support in the US.
Team-by-team breakdown
Now that we know the order bookmakers expect Group L to finish in, let’s look at the teams in more detail. You can research each side, and if you give them a better chance than the bookies, you’ve found yourself a value bet.
England
England head into the World Cup as one of the strongest European contenders after an almost perfect qualification campaign under Thomas Tuchel. The new manager immediately gave the team a more controlled and compact structure, turning England into a side that conceded nothing throughout qualifying while still maintaining enough attacking firepower to dominate most opponents.
Tuchel’s first major tournament squad also showed he is willing to make difficult decisions. Big names such as Trent Alexander-Arnold, Harry Maguire, Phil Foden and Cole Palmer were left out, either because of tactical fit or inconsistent club form. The coach clearly preferred players who could better adapt to the balance and intensity he wants from the team.
Harry Kane remains the focal point in attack, although England now have more variety around him. Watkins returns after an excellent finish to the season; Ivan Toney offers another physical option up front, and the creative responsibility increasingly falls on Jude Bellingham. Around him, Eberechi Eze and Morgan Rogers provide unpredictability between the lines, while Saka, Gordon, Rashford and Madueke bring pace from wide areas.
In midfield, Tuchel mixed youth with experience by keeping Kobbie Mainoo alongside Jordan Henderson, while defensively England still rely heavily on John Stones despite his injury concerns. The full-back roles also look different now, with Reece James, Livramento and Djed Spence all gaining importance in the new system.
England have enough talent to compete with anyone in the tournament, but the real challenge remains the same as always: proving they can maintain composure and personality once the knockout rounds arrive.
Strengths and weaknesses:
England look more tactically organised under Tuchel.
Kane continues to guarantee goals and leadership in attack.
The squad has speed, creativity and depth in offensive areas.
Young talents like Bellingham and Mainoo add energy to the team.
Defensive injuries remain a concern.
England still need to prove themselves in decisive knockout matches.
Croatia
Croatia are ranked 11th in the world by FIFA and have not been higher than third since 1998. Bettors expect Croatia to go through alongside England.
Zlatko Dalic’s Blazers finished top of World Cup qualifying Group L. Seven wins and a draw meant Croatia crossed the finish line six points clear of runners-up the Czech Republic. Another unbeaten side from qualifying, Croatia scored 26 goals and conceded 4.
You can back Croatia to win Group L or trust them to go all the way and lift the trophy. Croatia represents value in the outright betting market, but it’s worth noting that they have never won the trophy, finishing as runners-up in 2018.
If there is one national team that consistently outperforms expectations at major tournaments, it is Croatia. Generation after generation, the country continues to produce teams capable of competing with nations that possess far greater resources and player pools.
The latest squad still revolves around Luka Modrić, whose influence extends far beyond what happens on the pitch. Even at this stage of his career, he remains the reference point for a group that blends proven international performers with players entering their prime years.
Preparation for the tournament was not entirely straightforward. Questions lingered over the physical condition of several important starters, forcing the coaching staff to delay certain decisions until the final stages of camp. Joško Gvardiol and Mateo Kovačić were among the names being monitored most closely, although Croatia remain optimistic both will be ready when the competition begins.
Dalić also used this World Cup cycle to continue a gradual renewal process. Some familiar faces who had been part of previous squads were left behind, while younger options earned the nod as Croatia look to balance immediate competitiveness with the future of the national team.
What separates Croatia from many similarly ranked teams is their mentality. They rarely panic, they understand tournament football and they have repeatedly shown an ability to navigate high-pressure situations. That experience alone makes them a dangerous opponent for anyone in the knockout rounds.
Strengths and weaknesses:
Captain Luka Modric is a leader on the pitch and in the dressing room.
Croatia have plenty of speed and energy going forward.
The solid defence shown in qualifying will be crucial at the World Cup.
The Blazers have experience in high-pressure games at the highest level.
It’ll be the final World Cup for many in an ageing squad.
Ghana
Can Ghana upset the odds to progress from Group L at the expense of England or Croatia? A FIFA ranking of 74th suggests otherwise, but the Black Stars are no pushovers.
Ghana won World Cup qualifying - Africa Group I ahead of Madagascar and Mali. Eight wins, one draw, and a defeat ensured they made the finals with a bit to spare, driven clear of the chasing pack with three wins in their final three games. They scored 23 and conceded 6.
Carlos Queroz’s team open against Panama in Toronto, and that’s a match they should win. Victory, all three points, and a few goals scored could send Ghana top of the pool before facing England in a make-or-break tie in Foxborough on matchday two.
Ghana arrive in North America carrying a mixture of optimism and uncertainty. The qualification campaign was convincing, but the squad that will take the field at the World Cup looks different from the one many expected a few months ago.
The biggest blow is the absence of Mohammed Kudus. Losing a player capable of deciding matches on his own inevitably changes the outlook of the team, particularly in attack where few footballers in the squad possess his ability to create danger from nothing.
Defensively, the situation is equally delicate. Injuries to Mohammed Salisu and Alexander Djiku have forced Queiroz to rethink a backline that was expected to be one of the foundations of the project. Several players now face the challenge of stepping into bigger roles against opposition of a much higher calibre than they usually encounter.
Still, writing off Ghana would be a mistake. The Black Stars continue to produce physically imposing, competitive teams that rarely make life easy for their opponents. There may be doubts around certain positions, but there is also enough talent and athleticism to believe they can compete for a place in the next round.
Much could depend on the opening fixture against Panama. A strong start would immediately change the mood around the squad and give Ghana a platform from which to attack the rest of the group.
Strengths and weaknesses:
Ghana are quick, powerful and aggressive across the pitch.
As well as a strong team spirit, they have players capable of individual brilliance.
The Blazers are frightening on the counter-attack, making them dangerous.
They play without fear, happy to meet big-name opponents head-on.
One obvious weakness is their defensive frailties on the big stage.
Panama
Very few, if any, will back Panama to win the World Cup, let alone the group. According to some critics, Panama will play only three games before heading home without even a point to show for their time in the US, Canada, and Mexico.
Ranked 33rd in the world by FIFA, Panama have never made it past the group stage, going home as early as possible on debut eight years ago. Fans hope for a longer journey this time, but The Canal Men find themselves in one of the toughest-looking groups.
What can we expect to see from Thomas Christiansen and his troops this summer? That remains to be seen, and they may turn out to be something of a dark horse. The picture will become clearer after lining up against Ghana on matchday one. Fancy a big-price upset?
Panama arrive with a squad that largely keeps the core of recent years intact. Christiansen is expected to continue using a back three, something reflected in the number of centre-backs included in the final list. José Córdoba and Andrés Andrade look set to lead the defence, while Amir Murillo remains one of the team’s standout players from the right side.
The midfield still depends heavily on Adalberto Carrasquilla and captain Aníbal Godoy. Carrasquilla’s fitness became a major concern after suffering a hamstring injury in Mexico, but the medical staff believe he should be available for the tournament.
One of the biggest surprises was the return of veteran Alberto Quintero. The 38-year-old winger barely featured during the qualifying cycle, but Christiansen valued his experience ahead of younger alternatives.
The most debated omission was teenage forward Kadir Barría, one of Panama’s brightest prospects after breaking through at Botafogo. Instead, the coaching staff opted for more experienced attacking profiles.
Panama may not attract much attention internationally, but they remain a disciplined and physically competitive side capable of making matches uncomfortable for stronger opponents.
Strengths and weaknesses:
Panama bring a strong defence to the World Cup this June.
Compact and disciplined without the ball, Panama are difficult to break down.
They carry an aerial threat, meaning Panama is dangerous from corners.
A free-flowing and aggressive counter-attack ensures they won’t be taken lightly.
The Canal Men lack creativity and depth in attack against big-name opponents.
Key players to watch
The betting apps featured on this page allow members to gamble on their favourite teams. They also run a wide range of player prop bets. You can wager on your favourite Englishman to win the Golden Boot or a Croatian attacker to score on matchday one.
There are several ways to back your favourites:
Golden Boot winner.
Team top scorers.
Most assists.
Player of the tournament.
Young player of the tournament.
Here are four players to watch in Group L, with one star named from each team.
Harry Kane: There are a few strong options when picking an Englishman to focus on this summer, but it had to be Harry Kane. The striker has been banging in the goals for Bayern Munich and England this term. He’s also a former World Cup Golden Boot winner. You can back him to score in the next match or take a chance on Kane ending as the top scorer.
Josko Gvardiol: The 24-year-old Croatian is one of the best young defenders in the world today. He has a bright future ahead of him, and the Manchester City star will use this stage to show he’s nearing his peak years. A cool head with the ball at his feet allows Josko to play out from the back, helping turn defence into attack for Croatia.
Adalberto Carrasquilla: Coco is an all-action midfielder who can keep Panama competitive in the middle of the park. The 27-year-old from Panama City is a regular for Panama, earning more than 70 caps. Currently on the books of Liga MX side UNAM, Adalberto links defence and attack with creativity, energy, and an eye for a killer pass.
Antoine Semenyo: Arrives at the 2026 World Cup as one of Ghana's biggest attacking threats. The Manchester City forward has risen from the lower tiers of English football to become one of the Premier League's most complete attackers. Powerful, quick and capable of playing across the front line, Semenyo gives the Black Stars a constant outlet in attack and the ability to trouble any defence.
Group dynamics
Here are some of the most important Group L dynamics to consider when making your World Cup bets.
Each team in Group L plays three matches, split between Arlington, Toronto, Foxborough, East Rutherford, and Philadelphia.
England play first on matchday one and two, giving them a chance to win and put pressure on the teams around them in the pool.
The Group L betting favourites, England and Croatia, face off in Arlington on matchday one. Pundits believe the winner of that game will top the pile.
The top two finishers in Group L progress to the knockout phases, joined by the best third-place finishers in the Round of 32.
Croatia play Ghana in the final group match in Philadelphia. The Africans hope to be in the running for the prize places.
Group L predictions
I’ll now reveal my World Cup 2026 Group L betting predictions, which you can follow on your mobile or laptop now.
England to win Group L @ 2/7 (bet365)
England, not for the first time, impressed in qualifying, winning every game. Tuchel needs to build on that and make a meaningful impact on the World Cup proper. They are one of the early favourites to lift the trophy. Add a group win for the Three Lions to your accumulators.
Ghana to qualify @ 8/15 (bet365)
The bookies expect England to win Group L and Croatia to qualify as best of the rest. However, I’m taking a chance of Ghana splitting the pair. They are physical, fast, and boast some elite-level players. If they beat Panama in the opener, they’ll be in a solid position.
England and Croatia trade at odds-on, and I’d want much better for a winning forecast. Therefore, I’m happy to take a chance on England-Ghana at a much more appealing price of 3/1. Most believe England will top the group, and I’m hopeful Ghana will be involved.
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Odds correct at time of writing, subject to change.