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- England are the 2/7 favourites to win Group L
- Croatia are second favourites after their long-standing World Cup success
- Panama are favourites to finish bottom of the standings
England Face Familiar Croatia Test In Competitive Group L
England’s route through Group L at the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins with a fixture carrying painful memories for many supporters.
The Three Lions open their campaign against Croatia, the nation that denied them a place in the 2018 World Cup Final after a dramatic semi-final victory in Russia.
Bookmakers strongly favour England to top the section this time around, though Croatia’s tournament pedigree and Ghana’s unpredictability could still create complications in one of the more intriguing groups.
The group includes several fascinating historical storylines, particularly England’s rematch with Croatia and Panama’s second-ever World Cup meeting with the Three Lions.
Group L Winner Odds
| Group L Winner | Odds | Implied Probability |
|---|---|---|
| England | 2/7 | 77.8% |
| Croatia | 4/1 | 20.0% |
| Ghana | 8/1 | 11.1% |
| Panama | 40/1 | 2.4% |
The odds underline England’s position as overwhelming favourites to top the group.
With one of the tournament’s deepest squads and increasing experience at major competitions, bookmakers expect the Three Lions to navigate the section comfortably.
England Looking To Start Fast Against Croatia
England’s opener against Croatia in Arlington immediately stands out as one of the key fixtures in the entire group stage.
Croatia famously defeated England 2-1 after extra time in the 2018 World Cup semi-final before England gained a measure of revenge with victory at Euro 2020.
That recent history adds extra intrigue to a game that could already shape the battle for top spot.
England then face Ghana and Panama in matches bookmakers expect them to control.
What the expert says...
Croatia Again Dangerous On Major Stage
Despite continuing generational changes, Croatia remain one of international football’s most respected tournament nations.
Croatia’s second fixture against Panama may provide an opportunity to build momentum before a potentially decisive clash with Ghana on the final matchday.
Ghana’s odds of 8/1 reflect outsider status for top spot, but the African side remain capable of producing surprise results.
England and Ghana have only met once previously, drawing 1-1 in a 2011 friendly.
Panama Facing Difficult Group
Panama arrive as clear outsiders in Group L and favourites to finish bottom.
The Central American side face another difficult encounter against England after suffering a 6-1 defeat during the 2018 World Cup.
However, Panama’s growing international experience could still make them awkward opponents if matches remain tight.
| Group L To Finish Bottom | Odds | Implied Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Panama | 4/7 | 63.6% |
| Ghana | 9/4 | 30.8% |
| Croatia | 6/1 | 14.3% |
| England | 33/1 | 2.9% |
Group L Fixtures
England vs Croatia
17 June 2026 – AT&T Stadium, Arlington
Ghana vs Panama
17 June 2026 – BMO Field, Toronto
England vs Ghana
23 June 2026 – Gillette Stadium, Foxborough
Panama vs Croatia
23 June 2026 – BMO Field, Toronto
Panama vs England
27 June 2026 – MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford
Croatia vs Ghana
27 June 2026 – Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
Where To Bet On World Cup Markets
Bookmakers are expected to offer extensive World Cup betting markets throughout the tournament including group winners, qualification specials and player props.
Many football betting sites will also provide enhanced odds, accumulators and free bets during the competition.
