2026 World Cup Group L permutations: What do England need to qualify?

England head into matchday two of the 2026 World Cup in a strong position after opening their Group L campaign with a thrilling 4-2 win over Croatia.

Thomas Tuchel’s side sit top of the group on goal difference, ahead of their next opponents, Ghana, who edged past Panama in their first fixture. With both teams on three points, Tuesday’s meeting in Boston already carries major implications for qualification.

England’s opener was certainly a tale of two halves. The Three Lions twice took the lead before the break, first through a retaken Harry Kane penalty and then via a well‑placed header from the captain, only for Croatia to respond each time.

Martin Baturina’s top‑corner strike and Petar Musa’s VAR‑approved equaliser sent the sides level at half‑time. The second half, however, saw England take control. Jude Bellingham restored the advantage within minutes of the restart, before Marcus Rashford’s late finish sealed a deserved victory.

What do England need to qualify for the knockout stage?

The equation is simple: a win over Ghana guarantees England a place in the round of 32.

Thanks to the expanded 48‑team format, where the top two in each group plus the eight best third‑placed sides progress, it would take an unlikely collapse for England to miss out entirely. But victory on Tuesday would remove all uncertainty and almost certainly secure top spot with a game to spare.

A draw would keep England firmly on track but leave qualification to be confirmed against Panama in their final group match. The full picture will only become clear after Croatia face Panama in the early hours of Wednesday (UK time), as a win for either side could keep the race for first place alive.

Who could England face in the Round of 32?

If England win Group L, they will face one of the third‑placed teams from Groups E, H, I, J or K. Based on current standings, odds and potential, the likeliest opponents include:

• Group E: Ecuador, Ivory Coast
• Group H: Uruguay, Saudi Arabia
• Group I: Senegal
• Group J: Algeria, Austria
• Group K: Portugal, Colombia, DR Congo