Ghana are in World Cup 2026 Group L alongside England, Croatia and Panama — and must navigate the group without injured star Mohammed Kudus. Here is the full Black Stars preview and betting guide.
Ghana’s path to the 2026 World Cup was one of the most impressive in the entire CAF qualifying campaign. Carlos Queiroz, the experienced Portuguese coach who previously managed Iran and Saudi Arabia at multiple World Cups, brought structure and tactical discipline to a squad that struggled for consistency in previous cycles. Eight wins from ten qualifying games, with Jordan Ayew contributing seven goals as captain, tells the story of a confident, cohesive unit. That qualifying form gives them real belief — even with Kudus missing.
Group L draws Ghana into a fascinating three-way contest with genuine complexity. England are the group favourites, arriving with a strong squad and momentum from their qualification campaign. Croatia — the 2018 World Cup runners-up — remain organised and experienced even in the twilight of Luka Modrić’s international career. Panama qualified for their second-ever World Cup and represent the realistic third-place challenger.
Ghana’s Group L schedule is as follows. First, Ghana vs Panama on Wednesday, June 17 in Toronto (kick-off 7:00 PM ET). This is the game Ghana must win. Then England vs Ghana on Tuesday, June 23 at Gillette Stadium (4:00 PM ET) — their hardest test. Finally, Croatia vs Ghana on Saturday, June 27 at Lincoln Financial Field (5:00 PM ET) — potentially a must-win if results have not gone to plan.
The route to the round of 16 runs through beating Panama and securing at least one point from the England and Croatia games. With the expanded 48-team format allowing third-placed finishers to progress, even a point or two could be enough. For the full guide to how the format works, check our World Cup 2026 new format and betting edges guide.
Mohammed Kudus’ quadriceps injury is the single biggest story surrounding Ghana’s World Cup preparations. The 24-year-old was Ghana’s most dangerous attacking player — direct, quick, capable of playing centrally or wide, and producing the moments of individual brilliance that could unlock any defence. His absence leaves a gap that no individual can truly fill.
Coach Carlos Queiroz has responded by building around collective strength and set-piece threat. Jordan Ayew, the captain, starts as the focal point in attack. At 33, Ayew’s experience and positioning should help Ghana manage games, even if he is no longer the explosive threat of his peak years.
Antoine Semenyo of Manchester City brings physicality and directness on the left side. Kamaldeen Sulemana of Atalanta offers pace and creativity from the right. Iñaki Williams, the Athletic Club striker who committed to Ghana after years of deliberation, provides a proven finish at the top level. And 22-year-old Issahaku, the Leicester winger, is the most naturally exciting player in the squad — a player who beats defenders one-on-one and scores from distance. Without Kudus, Issahaku becomes Ghana’s most unpredictable attacking weapon.
In midfield, Thomas Partey remains the anchor. When Partey is fit and at his best, Ghana have a genuine world-class presence in the engine room. His ability to intercept, distribute and drive forward underpins everything Queiroz is trying to build. Partey fit and performing is the single biggest factor in Ghana’s tournament chances.
Ghana vs Panama (June 17, Toronto) is Ghana’s most winnable fixture. Panama reached the World Cup as relative underdogs and have limited depth beyond their first XI. Ghana should be capable of winning this match if they apply their quality from the first whistle. Ghana to win at around 1.85-2.00 represents value. Both teams to score — NO at around 1.60 also appeals, given Ghana’s defensive discipline under Queiroz and Panama’s limited attacking threat.
For England vs Ghana (June 23), England are strong favourites. However, Ghana have historically been competitive against major European nations and with the right performance could steal a draw. Ghana +1.5 on the Asian handicap is the angle here — likely priced around 1.50-1.60 and reducing risk significantly. Ghana to score at least one goal (YES) also has appeal at around 1.55.
Croatia vs Ghana (June 27) could be the pivotal final group game. With both teams potentially needing a result, this match may be the most intense of Ghana’s campaign. The draw is worth considering given the mutual need for a result. Match draw at around 3.00 could provide tournament-long value.
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England vs Ghana on June 23 is the standout group stage tie and the key individual battle centres on Ghana captain Thomas Partey against England’s midfield. Partey, 33, remains one of the most complete defensive midfielders in the world when fit. He anchors Ghana’s shape, recycles possession and gives Queiroz’s side composure under pressure.
England’s midfield — likely to feature a combination of Rice, Bellingham and Mainoo — will look to press and disrupt Ghana’s build-up. If Partey can manage the space, win second balls and distribute calmly, Ghana can make England work hard for the points. If England win the midfield battle decisively, it could be a long evening for the Black Stars.
Watch also for Issahaku’s impact from wide. The Leicester winger’s ability to carry the ball at pace in tight spaces is perfectly suited to exploiting the channels England’s fullbacks leave when they push high. One defining moment of skill from Issahaku could change a match in an instant.
Ghana’s path to the round of 16 is possible but demanding. Beat Panama, take something from Croatia, and the expanded format’s third-place qualification route may be enough — even with a defeat to England in between. The Kudus absence is a genuine problem at a tournament level. However, Queiroz has built a resilient, experienced squad that knows how to defend and win collective battles.
Prediction: Ghana beat Panama, lose to England, and draw with Croatia. That leaves them on four points — enough to advance as a strong third-place side given the rest of the African group results. The Black Stars make it to the knockout rounds by the narrowest of margins. Stay across all the match previews and tips on our today’s free betting tips page throughout the tournament.
