Group L appears to be one of the tournament’s most straightforward groups on paper. Led by Harry Kane, England hopes to end a wait for a second World Cup title that stretches back to 1966. Meanwhile, Luka Modrić and several veteran teammates are chasing one last deep tournament run as Croatia looks to add another chapter to one of international football’s most remarkable eras.
Panama and Ghana will hope to challenge the expected order, but both face an uphill battle against two of Europe’s most established international teams. Unless one of the favorites stumbles, Group L could produce one of the clearest qualification pictures in the tournament.
England
England enters the World Cup as one of the favorites to lift the trophy and one of the most talented teams in the competition. With a squad largely built around players in their prime years, the Three Lions possess both experience and depth across the pitch.
Led by captain Harry Kane, England combines aggressive pressing, quick wing play, and attacking flexibility. Their 4-2-3-1 system frequently transforms into a more aggressive attacking shape in possession, allowing England to overwhelm opponents with numbers in the final third. The challenge is no longer talent, but whether England can finally end a wait for a second World Cup title that stretches back to 1966.
FIFA World Ranking: 4th
ESPN Prediction: 1886 Elo Rating (4th), 97% chance of advancing
Croatia
Croatia once again arrives at a major tournament carrying a reputation for consistency and resilience. While much of the country’s golden generation is nearing the end of its international career, the Croatians continue to rely on experience, composure, and tactical discipline.
Luka Modrić remains the emotional leader of the team, even if his workload will likely be carefully managed. Alongside him, Joško Gvardiol anchors one of the tournament’s strongest defensive units. Croatia’s ability to control tempo and minimize mistakes should make them difficult opponents throughout the group stage.
FIFA World Ranking: 11th
ESPN Prediction: 1821 Elo Rating (11th), 90% chance of advancing
Panama
Panama enters the tournament as the most likely challenger to the expected top two.
Striker José Fajardo remains the team’s primary attacking threat, and Panama will likely rely on disciplined defending and counterattacks to create opportunities. ESPN’s model gives Panama a 46% chance of advancing, suggesting they could still compete for a third-place qualification spot.
FIFA World Ranking: 34th
ESPN Prediction: 1699 Elo Rating (30th), 46% chance of advancing
Ghana
Ghana returns to the World Cup hoping to recapture the success that once made the Black Stars one of Africa’s most respected teams. Athleticism and physicality remain the foundation of the squad, with veteran midfielder Thomas Partey continuing to play an important leadership role.
The challenge for Ghana will be generating enough creativity in possession against organized opponents. While the Black Stars remain dangerous on set pieces and in transition, they enter the group as underdogs according to both FIFA rankings and ESPN’s projections.
FIFA World Ranking: 73rd
ESPN Prediction: 1478 Elo Rating (48th), 28% chance of advancing
Who Advances?
England and Croatia appear well-positioned to reach the knockout stage, supported by both FIFA rankings and ESPN’s projection model. England enters as the clear favorite to win the group, while Croatia’s experience gives it a strong advantage in the race for second place.
The most interesting battle may ultimately be for third. Panama’s advancement probability of 46% suggests it could emerge as a serious contender for one of the best third-place qualification spots, while Ghana will need to find points against one of the group’s favorites to keep its hopes alive.
Projected Finish
- England
- Croatia
- Panama
- Ghana
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