FIFA World Cup 2026: Ghana hold England to 0-0 draw in Group L
Synopsis
Ghana's goalkeeper Benjamin Asare and a disciplined backline absorbed everything England threw at them — including a Kane rebound off the crossbar in the dying minutes — to earn a 0-0 draw that keeps the Black Stars level on points with England at the top of World Cup 2026 Group L. Both sides now need just a point from their final fixtures to advance.
Key Takeaways
Ghana held England to a 0-0 draw in FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L at Foxborough on 24 June .
Both teams remain in the top two of Group L and need just one point from their final matches to reach the Round of 32 .
England face Panama while Ghana take on Croatia in the concluding group fixtures.
Goalkeeper Benjamin Asare was outstanding for Ghana, denying Harry Kane and others multiple times.
Abdul Fatawu came closest to scoring for Ghana, only for team-mate Antoine Semenyo to inadvertently clear his follow-up off the goalline.
A late O'Reilly cross struck the crossbar, with Kane firing the rebound over in the 93rd minute .
Ghana produced a resolute defensive masterclass to hold England to a 0-0 draw in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L fixture at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough on Wednesday, 24 June. Despite sustained English pressure and a flurry of late chances, the Black Stars kept a clean sheet that leaves both sides well-placed heading into the final matchday.
Key Developments
England created the first real opening in the 13th minute when Declan Rice unleashed a long-range free-kick that sailed over the bar. The momentum was disrupted shortly after when a collision between Jordan Ayew and Reece James — and a subsequent hydration break — allowed Ghana to regroup and settle their defensive shape.
The half-hour mark brought more English pressure. Jude Bellingham had a shot blocked, before Rice headed over from a stood-up cross by Noni Madueke. Harry Kane had his first look at goal before the interval, only to be denied by two Ghanaian defenders.
England's Second-Half Push
Elliot Anderson saw a close-range header blocked early in the second half, and Anthony Gordon fired straight at goalkeeper Benjamin Asare. Kane tested Asare again with a low drive, but the Ghanaian shot-stopper was equal to every challenge thrown at him.
Substitute Bukayo Saka nodded over after coming on, and a dramatic moment arrived when O'Reilly cracked a cross against the underside of the crossbar — only for Kane to fire the rebound over the bar, leaving the Foxborough crowd stunned. In the 93rd minute, Marc Guehi thought he had broken the deadlock with a header from a corner, but it was cleared off the line.
Ghana's Dangerous Moments
Ghana were far from passive. With under 10 minutes remaining, Abdul Fatawu was sent clear through on Jordan Pickford. Ezri Konsa recovered to block his initial effort, but Fatawu's follow-up was then cleared off the goalline by his own team-mate Antoine Semenyo — a moment that underlined the frantic nature of the contest's closing stages.
Group L Standings and What's Next
The draw means both England and Ghana enter the final matchday of Group L in the top two positions. A single point from their respective concluding fixtures — England against Panama and Ghana against Croatia — will be enough to confirm progression to the Round of 32. This is the second successive World Cup at which England have failed to beat Ghana at the group stage, underlining the Black Stars' capacity to frustrate higher-ranked opposition on the biggest stage.
Point of View
Bellingham, and Saka in the same XI if the team cannot breach a well-organised low block? Ghana, for their part, deserve credit for a tactically disciplined display, but the Fatawu-Semenyo own-block moment was a reminder that their attacking threat remains streaky. The real test for both sides arrives in their final group games — and a draw there against Croatia or Panama would be a far more concerning result.
NationPress
24 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the result of England vs Ghana at FIFA World Cup 2026?
England and Ghana drew 0-0 in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L match at Foxborough on 24 June . Ghana's resolute defensive display frustrated England despite sustained pressure throughout the game.
Where does this result leave England and Ghana in Group L?
Both England and Ghana remain in the top two positions of Group L after the draw. A single point from their respective final group matches will confirm their place in the Round of 32 .
Who do England and Ghana play in their final group matches?
England face Panama while Ghana take on Croatia in the final round of Group L fixtures at FIFA World Cup 2026 .
Who were the standout performers in the England vs Ghana match?
Ghana goalkeeper Benjamin Asare was the standout performer, making multiple crucial saves to deny Harry Kane and others. Abdul Fatawu was Ghana's most dangerous attacking outlet, breaking clear on goal late in the match before his follow-up was cleared off the line by team-mate Antoine Semenyo .
What was the closest either side came to scoring?
England came closest when an O'Reilly cross struck the underside of the crossbar and Kane fired the rebound over the bar in the closing minutes. For Ghana, Fatawu's second attempt after rounding Pickford was blocked on the goalline by Semenyo with under 10 minutes remaining.
