World Cup 2026: Who is in England's group? Key dates, dangermen and records against

World Cup 2026 is now in the knockout stages, and England will take on Mexico for a spot in the quarter-finals.

Harry Kane registered twice, while Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford were also on the scoresheet, as the Three Lions made a winning start to their tournament with a 4-2 success over Croatia.

However, it was more of a challenge in their second match, being held to a goalless draw by a solid Ghana outfit.

England also had their issues in their third game against Panama but managed to record a 2-0 victory to secure their spot in the round of 32 as Group L winners.

Congo DR were beaten 2-1 in the round of 32 courtesy of a late double from Harry Kane, as England set up a last-16 game with Mexico.

Here, Sports Mole takes an in-depth look at England's three Group L opponents, including their paths to the World Cup, key dates and players to watch.

World Cup 2026: Croatia

Head-to-head record:

England wins: 7

Croatia wins: 3

Draws: 2

A team that may potentially still give Steve McClaren and Gareth Southgate nightmares, Croatia were seeking a third major tournament scalp over the Three Lions in their opening fixture, having memorably dumped England out of the 2018 semi-finals after also denying them a spot at the 2008 European Championships.

However, Croatia ultimately fell short in what was a six-goal thriller.

Also bronze medallists at the 2018 edition, the Chequered Ones will cross the Atlantic bidding to end Luka Modric's international career on the highest of high notes; the 2026 World Cup is expected to be his Croatia swansong.

Zlatko Dalic's side dropped just two points in their eight Qualifying games en route to their fourth successive World Cup, where the youthful Josko Gvardiol and veteran Ivan Perisic will aid Modric's Mundial mission.

World Cup 2026: Panama

Head-to-head record:

England wins: 2

Panama wins: 0

Draws: 0

Reuniting with another Russian foe from seven years ago, England pitted their wits against Panama for just the second time in a senior men's international, after crushing the Canal Men 6-1 in the 2018 group stage.

That tournament represented Panama's inaugural World Cup outing, but the Red Tide make the short trip to the USA for the 2026 edition after an unbeaten preliminary campaign, claiming seven wins and three draws from 10 games across two groups.

Panama won all four of their second-round games, before earning three victories and three stalemates in the third round, thus topping their group ahead of Suriname, Guatemala and El Salvador.

Panama caused England issues in their clash at the 2026 World Cup, but the Three Lions ultimately recorded a 2-0 win to top Group L.

World Cup 2026: Ghana

Head-to-head record:

England wins: 0

Ghana wins: 0

Draws: 2

Remember when England and Ghana played an international friendly in 2011? Me neither. The first meeting between the two nations ended 1-1 at Wembley, where Asamoah Gyan cancelled out an Andy Carroll opener.

Fourteen years later, the Black Stars held England to a goalless draw in their second match at the 2026 World Cup.

After failing to make a single WC Finals before 2006, Ghana are now present for the fifth time in the last six editions after winning eight of their 10 CAF Qualifying games, comfortably topping Group I ahead of Madagascar and Mali.

Ghana are currently second in Group L on four points, placing them in an excellent spot to reach the knockout round ahead of their final game in the section with Croatia on June 27.