2026 FIFA World Cup Group L preview, betting odds and prediction
This 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America isn’t one you’ll want to miss out on.
Group L not only wraps up the groups for all 48 teams, but features the 2018 finalists, Croatia, as well as former 2018 semifinalist and 2022 quarterfinalists, England, one of the strongest teams at this World Cup. Ghana and Panama will still give both teams a run for their money, making Group L an exciting one to watch.
Don’t forget to check out Sports Interaction’s complete list of World Cup game odds and World Cup futures.
Group L odds
No one questions England’s capabilities, which is why the former 1966 World Cup champions are easy -320 favourites to win Group L. However, the 2018 runner-ups of Croatia are hot on their heels odds-wise at +350. Panama has the lowest odds to win their group at +3000, but is very content with their second cup qualification in history. Ghana wraps up the group in its sixth qualification ever, with its chances to finish first at +1000.
Here are each team’s odds of qualifying for the knockout stage, which now features 32 teams:
- England (-10,000)
- Croatia (-500)
- Ghana (-155)
- Panama (+220)
England preview and analysis
Experts are banking on England to qualify from their group with ease, and if they fail to win their group, they are still projected as +320 runners-up. The European side has unmatched talent with the likes of Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham, Marcus Rashford, Eberechi Eze, Declan Rice, Noni Madueke, Anthony Gordon, Kobbie Mainoo, Reece James, and Jordan Pickford.
Over the last decade, England has significantly improved in its tournament finishes (2018 WC, 2022 WC, 2024 Euros), but still needs to put the lid on the competition to win some silverware. Overall, they are the third-shortest favourites to win it all at +650, and with their loaded Premier League roster which also features top goalscorers from the Bundesliga and La Liga, it’s not a long shot if they stay consistent. Kane is expected to be the tournament’s top goalscorer at +700, player of the tournament at +750, setting up England with +125 odds to win all group games and -500 to score in every one.
Croatia preview and analysis
Croatia’s odds to win Group L are +350, and they are the favourites to finish second in the group at +100, assuming England does its damage. This year, Croatia rolls out a freshly diverse roster with players like Ivan Perisic, Nikola Vlasic, Luka Sucic, and the former 2018 Ballon d’Or winner, Luka Modric.
The World Cup-seasoned European nation has a good chance to make it out of the group, and with their opening matchup against England, a win or draw is a setup for success. It won’t be a breeze by any means, as they are priced at +1200 to win all their group games, although you can expect them to find the back of the net in every group stage game at +110 to bolster their goal differential.
Ghana preview and analysis
Ghana always gives competition a run for its money, as this year they finished first in the CAF Group I to secure their 2026 World Cup qualification. Manchester City’s Antoine Semenyo is the biggest name on the roster after ending his season with 17 goals, along with teammate Inaki Williams from Athletic Club.
The odds for the African nation’s qualification to the next round are listed at -155. Assuming they win their first game against Panama and struggle against England, their qualification may come down to how well they play against Croatia. They are +320 runners-up alongside England, but are listed at +180 odds to finish at the bottom of the group.
Panama preview and analysis
The Central American team finds itself in its second-ever World Cup tournament (also qualified in 2018), but unfortunately, it joins a very tough group. Panama’s roster features many players from various Central and South American leagues, including the Brazilian Serie A, the Chilean Primera, Liga MX, and even the MLS.
There are virtually no star players that stand out, which puts Panama at -140 odds to finish at the bottom of the group. They have the lowest odds to qualify at +220, and their best bet (especially if they beat Ghana) is as +600 runner-ups. They are +250 odds to lose all group games, considering how strong Group L is.
2026 FIFA World Cup Group L Prediction: England to Win All Group Games (+125)
It’s almost certain England will qualify out of the group, and it would be very surprising if they didn’t finish first, which would mean a loss (or draw) somewhere along the road, which only seems possible against Croatia.
The team will roll out most of Arsenal’s midfield, with European Golden Boot winner Harry Kane up front, along with Barcelona’s (loaned from Man United) Marcus Rashford, which puts them in a very good position to dominate possession-wise and outscore opponents.
For your best bet, expect England to win all group games at +125, and they’ll likely even score in each matchup at -500 with their goalscoring capabilities.
Best Bet: England to win all group games (+125)
Group Winner: England (-280)