Kane backs England to top FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L after Ghana draw
Synopsis
England were held by Ghana but Harry Kane isn't worried — and the numbers back him up. With a 4-2 win over Croatia already banked and a point against Panama enough to seal top spot, England have one foot in the Round of 32. The real question is whether this draw reveals a finishing problem that tougher opponents will exploit later.
Key Takeaways
Harry Kane said England are in a 'great position' in Group L despite being held to a draw by Ghana on 24 June in Foxborough .
England's campaign so far: a 4-2 win over Croatia and a draw against Ghana .
Nico O'Reilly struck the crossbar and Kane missed a clear chance in a game England dominated for large spells.
Both England and Ghana need just one point from their final group matches to advance to the Round of 32 .
England's next fixture is against Panama ; Ghana face Croatia .
Harry Kane expressed confidence on 24 June that England remain firmly on course to top Group L at the FIFA World Cup 2026, even after being held to a goalless draw by a resolute Ghana side at Foxborough. The England captain credited Ghana's disciplined defensive shape while insisting his side controlled large portions of the contest.
How the Match Unfolded
Ghana's compact defensive block frustrated England for long stretches, denying them the space they needed in the final third. Chances did arrive at both ends, with Kane himself squandering a clear opportunity and Nico O'Reilly striking the crossbar. Ghana threatened on the counter-attack but England limited those moments effectively.
'It was one of those games. A difficult team to break down. I think we had loads of possession and probably the last 15 minutes of each half was when we were at our best,' Kane said. 'They started to tire towards the end. We had some chances; I obviously had a big chance there and Nico O'Reilly hit the bar too.'
England's Group L Standing
The draw follows England's impressive 4-2 opening victory over Croatia, and the point keeps them in the top two of Group L alongside Ghana. Both sides now head into the final matchday needing just a single point to secure a place in the Round of 32. England face Panama next, while Ghana take on Croatia.
Kane's Tournament Mindset
'We're in a great position — we play Panama next,' Kane added, according to England Football. 'I spoke before about major tournaments, you chunk it up into two separate tournaments. First the group stage, making sure you make it through and hopefully we can finish with a win and finish top. Then comes the second tournament which is obviously the knockout stage. We've almost done part one.'
Kane was measured but optimistic, noting that England grew into the Ghana match as it progressed. 'We started getting the wingers one-vs-one and they were dangerous but you go through games like that,' he said. 'You're playing in the World Cup against a decent side who were compact and made it difficult.'
What Comes Next
England enter their final group fixture against Panama with momentum intact and qualification effectively within reach. A point from that match would confirm their passage to the knockout rounds. The turnaround is quick, but Kane signalled the squad is focused and ready to close out the group stage on a winning note.
Point of View
But it is a flag. Kane's possession-heavy, counter-resistant setup worked defensively — Ghana barely threatened — yet the inability to convert clear chances against a well-organised but limited side raises a familiar question about England's cutting edge in tight games. The World Cup's knockout rounds will not offer the same margin for missed chances that a Panama fixture might. If the finishing doesn't sharpen, the group-stage comfort could become a false ceiling.
NationPress
24 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the result of England vs Ghana at the FIFA World Cup 2026?
England and Ghana drew in their Group L fixture at Foxborough on 24 June at the FIFA World Cup 2026. Neither side scored, though England had the better of the chances, with Kane missing a big opportunity and O'Reilly hitting the crossbar.
What does the draw mean for England's World Cup 2026 qualification?
England remain in the top two of Group L and need just one point from their final group match against Panama to advance to the Round of 32. Their earlier 4-2 win over Croatia gives them a comfortable cushion.
Who are England's remaining opponents in Group L?
England face Panama in their final group-stage match. Ghana, their most recent opponents, will play Croatia. A point for England against Panama confirms their place in the knockout rounds.
What did Harry Kane say after the Ghana draw?
Kane said England are still in a 'great position' and described the match as one where his side improved as it progressed. He noted that Ghana were compact and difficult to break down, but expressed confidence ahead of the Panama match.
Who is Nico O'Reilly and what role did he play against Ghana?
Nico O'Reilly is an England squad member who came close to breaking the deadlock against Ghana, striking the crossbar during the match. His effort was one of England's best chances in a game they dominated without converting.
