England open their tournament against Croatia. Ghana brings incredible African tournament grit. England and Croatia have the history and edge to qualify
1966 champions England and 2018 finalists Croatia are heavy favorites, facing modern African giants Ghana and CONCACAF threat Panama.
England will be competing at their 17th FIFA World Cup, with their best finish being their sole trophy lift on home soil in 1966. The European nation reached the quarter-finals at the last tournament in Qatar.
Panama will be competing at their second World Cup, returning to the world stage after making their historical tournament debut back in Russia 2018, where they did not get past the group stage.
Ghana will be competing in their fifth World Cup, following their group-stage run in Qatar. Their best finish was a famous quarter-final finish in 2010.
Croatia will be playing at their seventh FIFA World Cup, carrying remarkable momentum after finishing as runners-up in 2018 and taking the third-place bronze medal at the last tournament in Qatar.
The favorites to finish top two in this group are England and Croatia, while Ghana may qualify as one of the best third-placed teams.
Groups A to L feature a mix of traditional heavyweights, historic rivalries, and four tournament debutants. Under the expanded 48-team format, the top two teams from each group plus the eight best third-place finishers will advance to the Round of 32.