England handed tricky route to 2026 World Cup final after group stage draw

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·5. Dezember 2025

England handed tricky route to 2026 World Cup final after group stage draw

Three Lions could collide with the group of death in their first knockout game

England now know their first three opponents at the mammoth 2026 World Cup, and can now map out a path to the final.

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The Three Lions will face Croatia in their first Group L game, followed by Ghana and then Panama.

It is a kind draw - as the expanded format allows - and will be expected to cruise into the knockout stages.

As they were drawn in Group L, their first game will be on June 17, 2026 and will play a third-placed team in the round of 32, which could be from the group of death Group I that features France, Norway, Senegal and a play-off winner.

For the first time in the modern game, FIFA have put the world’s top two-ranked teams - Spain and Argentina - either side of the draw - as is often seen in grand slam tennis. It is, the governing body says, to ensure competitive balance. The same is also the case for the No3 and No4-ranked teams, France and England.

If all four of those nations win their group, as expected, then England would avoid Spain and Argentina until the semi-finals should they progress, and France until the final.