Group L World Cup 2026 Match Schedule & Standings
3
Confederations
1
Combined WC Titles
24
Combined WC Apps
#4
Highest Ranked
What to Watch in Group L
England arrive 60 years on from their only World Cup win, with the most Premier League-heavy starting XI of any 2026 side. Croatia continue their generation-defining run, which has included a 2018 final and a 2022 semifinal. Luka Modriฤ, now in his 40s, is expected to feature in what would be his fifth World Cup. Ghana return after missing 2022, with a new generation built around Mohammed Kudus and Inaki Williams. Panama appear at their second World Cup after a 2018 debut that ended in three group-stage losses. The squad has matured significantly since. The England vs Croatia rematch from 2018 (Croatia knocked England out of the semifinal) is the marquee fixture, and the storyline writes itself.
Group L Standings
Top 2 advance to Round of 32
| # | Team | P | W | D | L | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ๐ญ๐ท CroatiaCRO | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2 | ๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ EnglandENG | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 3 | ๐ฌ๐ญ GhanaGHA | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 4 | ๐ต๐ฆ PanamaPAN | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Team Profiles
FIFA rankings & World Cup history
Group L Matches
3 matchdays ยท 6 matches
Matchday 1
Jun 17Matchday 2
Jun 23Matchday 3
Jun 27Where to Watch Live
16 world-class venues ยท 3 countries
USA
11 cities
Canada
2 cities
Mexico
3 cities
Atlanta
Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Boston
Gillette Stadium
Dallas
AT&T Stadium
Houston
NRG Stadium
Kansas City
GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium
Los Angeles
SoFi Stadium
Specific venue assignments for Group L will be confirmed by FIFA.
Group Predictions
Based on FIFA rankings, historical performance, and live group standings as matches unfold.
Advance to Round of 32
Key Matchup
Most competitive matchup by FIFA ranking
Group Facts
Group L: Ronaldo's Final Group
Group L's gravity comes from one player. Cristiano Ronaldo at 41 will almost certainly be playing in his last World Cup, with Portugal drawn into the same section as the side who knocked them out in the 2022 last-16, Uruguay. The rematch alone elevates the group to must-watch status.
South Korea bring tournament experience as one of Asia's most-capped sides, with Son Heung-min still leading the line in his early thirties. Nigeria round things out with the section's deepest attacking talent pool, anchored by Victor Osimhen and a Premier League-heavy spine. Either could complicate Portugal's progression.
Group L is one of the few 2026 sections where every match feels meaningful. Track the standings here, compare with Group H where defending champions Argentina face a similar farewell-tour storyline, or read the Portugal team page for full history and squad.
Follow the Journey to the Final
See how Group L teams progress through the knockout stages. Explore the full tournament bracket and match schedule.
Group L Match Schedule FAQs
When does the Group L World Cup 2026 Match Schedule begin?
Group L matches kick off during the first week of the tournament. The exact dates run from June 11 to June 26, 2026. Teams play three matches each before the knockout stage begins.
Which teams are in Group L for the 2026 tournament?
Group L features Croatia, England, Ghana, and Panama. This group brings together teams from 3 different confederations, making for a competitive matchday lineup at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
How many teams advance from Group L to the knockout stage?
The top two teams with the most points at the end of the group stage automatically advance to the Round of 32. The eight best third-placed teams across all 12 groups also qualify. Tiebreakers like goal difference will decide teams tied on points.
Where will Group L matches be played?
Matches will be played across the 16 official host cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Stadium assignments for each Group L fixture are published on the official FIFA schedule once the tournament draw is finalised.
How can I buy tickets for Group L matches?
Tickets for the FIFA World Cup 2026 are sold exclusively through the official FIFA ticketing platform. Sales open in phases throughout 2025 and 2026. Sign up early on FIFA.com to be notified when each Group L fixture goes on sale.