The Black Stars of Ghana face a challenging path at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after being drawn against England, Croatia and Panama in Group L during Friday’s ceremony in Washington, D.C.
The draw, hosted at the John F. Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts, marks Ghana’s return to football’s biggest stage and places them in one of the competition’s most competitive groups.
Ghana will meet two elite European sides and a rising CONCACAF team. England enters as one of the tournament favourites, while Croatia—runners-up in 2018—bring vast experience and proven quality. Both sides present major obstacles as the Black Stars push to reach the knockout rounds for the first time since 2010. Panama, making their second World Cup appearance after debuting in 2018, completes the group.
England’s place in Group L was confirmed earlier on Friday, joining Ghana, Croatia and Panama in the expanded 48-team format.
In total, 42 nations were drawn, with six additional spots to be decided through intercontinental playoffs scheduled for March 2026.
Ghana’s group forms part of the full draw for the 2026 World Cup, which will take place across 16 host cities in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
The tournament runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026, with matches set for cities including Los Angeles, New York, Dallas, Houston, Vancouver, Toronto, Mexico City and Monterrey. The final is scheduled for the New York-New Jersey Stadium.
FIFA will announce match dates, venues, and kick-off times on Saturday, 6 December, followed by ticket details and further fan information next week.
With the draw settled, Ghana’s technical team can begin preparations for a group that offers both serious tests and genuine opportunities.
The Black Stars will now look to build momentum ahead of next summer as they aim for another memorable World Cup campaign.
Here is the 48-team draw below:
Group A: Mexico, South Africa, Korea Republic, Winner of Play-Off D
Group B: Canada, Winner of Play-Off A, Qatar, Switzerland
Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland
Group D: USA, Paraguay, Australia, Winner of Play-Off C
Group E: Germany, Curaçao, Côte d’Ivoire, Ecuador
Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Winner of Play-Off B, Tunisia
Group G: Belgium, Egypt, IR Iran, New Zealand
Group H: Spain, Cabo Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay
Group I: France, Senegal, Winner of Play-Off 2, Norway
Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan
Group K: Portugal, Winner of Play-Off 1, Uzbekistan, Colombia
Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama
