By Peter Omopo
Ghana’s Black Stars have been handed a tough group for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after being drawn alongside England, Croatia, and Panama in Group L.
The draw was conducted on Friday at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., unveiling a challenging path for Ghana as they prepare to face two European powerhouses. Croatia, notably, finished third at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and were runners-up in the 2018 edition in Russia, while England remain one of the tournament’s perennial favourites.
Ghana will also come up against Panama, who are making their second-ever World Cup appearance.
Other African representatives received equally intriguing group assignments. Morocco will take on Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti in Group C, while Senegal will meet France in a highly anticipated rematch of their iconic 2002 World Cup opener. South Africa are set to kick off the entire tournament against co-hosts Mexico in a repeat of the 2010 curtain-raiser that ended 1–1.
The 2026 World Cup—co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada—will run from June 11 to July 19. This edition marks the first time the global showpiece will feature an expanded 48-team format.
Full Group Stage Draw:
- Group A: Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, Play-off D
- Group B: Canada, Play-off A, Qatar, Switzerland
- Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland
- Group D: USA, Paraguay, Australia, Play-off C
- Group E: Germany, Curaçao, Ivory Coast, Ecuador
- Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Play-off B, Tunisia
- Group G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand
- Group H: Spain, Cape Verde, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia
- Group I: France, Senegal, Play-off 2, Norway
- Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan
- Group K: Portugal, Play-off 1, Colombia, Uzbekistan
- Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama
With the expanded format and several heavyweight matchups across the groups, the 2026 World Cup promises one of the most thrilling tournaments in recent history.
