Croatia
Odds to win the World Cup: 80/181.00
Odds to win Group L: 16/54.20
Profile
As Croatia prepares for the World Cup, the squad embodies the nation's reputation for producing technically gifted, mentally tough footballers who thrive on the biggest stage. Anchored by evergreen veteran Luka Modric and supported by a new generation of dynamic talent, the team possesses a careful balance of experience and youthful energy. Known for their composure under pressure and ability to control match tempo, Croatia remains a dangerous opponent capable of upsetting even tournament favourites.
How They Qualified
A strong and consistent qualifying campaign saw Croatia secure qualification with a game to spare, highlighted by a decisive victory over the Faroe Islands that confirmed their status as group winners. This steady progression underscored their credentials as genuine tournament contenders.
The Manager
Zlatko Dalic continues to be central to Croatia's remarkable global standing. Since taking charge in 2017, Dalic has built a side defined by tactical discipline, resilience, and a deep sense of unity. His leadership has guided the nation to a World Cup final in 2018 and another remarkable run in 2022. Under his calm authority, Croatia successfully blends experienced stars with emerging talent, maintaining its reputation as one of international football's most consistently competitive teams.
The Squad
Croatia's squad balances world-class experience with an emerging generation ready to carry the torch. Led by the evergreen Luka Modric - surely appearing at his final tournament - the team still leans on seasoned figures like Ivan Perisic and Andrej Kramaric whilst integrating younger talents such as Josko Gvardiol and Martin Baturina.
Across the pitch, Croatia remains strongest in midfield, where technical quality and composure define their style. A defensively solid core and attacking line mixing physical presence with intelligent movement complete the picture. Goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic provides reliability between the posts, reinforcing a team built on structure and big-game mentality. This is not a squad necessarily packed with superstars on paper, but one that thrives on chemistry, tournament experience, and tactical expertise.
Key Man
All eyes fall on Luka Modric, the heartbeat of Croatia's golden generation as he approaches not only what is his final World Cup, but potentially the last time his final appearances on a football pitch as he could retire from playing post tournament.. Even in his later career stages, Modric remains the team's chief orchestrator, dictating tempo, unlocking defences, and setting the emotional tone through his leadership and composure. If Croatia are to make another deep run in 2026, their maestro will almost certainly be at the centre of it.
One to Watch
Luka Vuskovic is the standout prospect in Croatia's new generation. This commanding young central defender has already turned heads across Europe. Known for his imposing height and strength, he pairs defensive solidity with an unusual knack for contributing goals, making him a threat at both ends of the pitch. Still in his teens, Vuskovic demonstrates composure, positional intelligence, and confidence well beyond his years, marking him as a likely cornerstone of Croatia's defence for years to come.
Tournament Prospects
Croatia enter the 2026 World Cup as respected outsiders rather than outright favourites. Their strength lies in a highly experienced core, strong midfield control, and a proven ability to manage high-pressure knockout football - experience that has previously carried them deep into major tournaments. Whilst they are not widely tipped to win outright, their consistency and tournament pedigree mean they are genuinely capable of progressing beyond the group stage and making a significant impact in the knockout rounds.
Author: Jake Krnjaic
England
Odds to win the World Cup: 6/17.00
Odds to win Group L: 4/111.36
Profile
Gareth Southgate took England to a World Cup semi-final and back-to-back Euros finals, but the one thing this generation still lacks is a trophy. Sixty years on from Wembley '66, England arrive at the 2026 World Cup with another impressive squad and a new manager in Thomas Tuchel - all trying to answer the same question: can they finally bring football home?
How They Qualified
England cruised through qualifying, winning all eight games in Group K without conceding a goal. The standout result was a 5-0 victory away in Serbia that really felt like the start of the Tuchel era, and qualification was wrapped up with two games to spare. The only real concerns were the final two international friendlies, particularly a surprise defeat to Japan. However, with a number of the starting XI either injured or rested, fans will hope this was merely a blip rather than a sign of troubles to come.
The Manager
Thomas Tuchel became England manager in October 2024, the FA's first German appointment and only their third foreign full-time manager after Sven-Göran Eriksson and Fabio Capello. His CV is among the strongest England have ever handed the job to, featuring league titles with PSG and Bayern Munich, plus the Champions League with Chelsea in 2021. Despite some question marks that emerged since the squad announcement, it's time to see if Tuchel can take this impressive squad that one step further that Southgate could not.
The Squad
England have primarily lined up in a 4-2-3-1 under Tuchel, employing the same tactical detail that has followed him throughout his career. Jordan Pickford remains first choice in goal with Marc Guéhi alongside Ezri Konsa at centre-back. Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson are likely to sit behind Jude Bellingham or Morgan Rogers, whilst Bukayo Saka and Harry Kane lead an attack packed with options. England's biggest strength is their depth in midfield and attack, though questions remain around left-back, form, and fitness - and whether Tuchel's aggressive full-back system will hold up against the very best teams later in the tournament.
Key Man
Harry Kane is unquestionably England's key man, evidenced by the obvious struggles for those who replaced him in this position during recent international friendlies. Kane heads into the 2026 World Cup in outstanding form after another huge season with Bayern Munich. England's captain is already the country's all-time leading scorer and, despite all the talent around him, he remains the player they turn to when pressure rises in knockout games. At 32 and his current form, this feels like Kane's best chance to lead England to a trophy.
One to Watch
Elliot Anderson has quickly become one of the biggest winners of the Tuchel era following a strong season with Nottingham Forest. The 23-year-old looks set to partner Declan Rice in midfield, giving England the balance and control they have often lacked in recent tournaments. Calm under pressure and comfortable carrying the ball through the middle, Anderson could be one of the breakout players of the World Cup.
Morgan Rogers also merits attention as another potential star player. He has played his way into England's World Cup plans following an excellent season with Aston Villa. Powerful, direct, and confident on the ball, Rogers gives Tuchel another option across the attacking line and looks increasingly comfortable at international level. If England need someone to change a game, Rogers could prove a huge weapon from the bench, if he does not already start (sorry Jude).
Tournament Prospects
England should feel confident about progressing through the group stage in Group L alongside Croatia, Ghana, and Panama, even if the opening match against Croatia will conjure memories of their 2018 semi-final encounter. On paper, the route through the knockout stages looks favourable too, and anything less than a quarter-final would be considered a major disappointment. With the squad at their disposal, England are expected to challenge seriously for the trophy.
Ghana
Odds to win the World Cup: 500/1501.00
Odds to win Group L: 10/111.00
Profile
Ghana head into the 2026 World Cup as one of the tournament's most unpredictable sides. A dominant qualification campaign pointed towards a side on the rise, but that momentum has unravelled dramatically in the months leading up to the finals. Poor recent results combined with a failure to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in 21 years led to the dismissal of Otto Addo. The Black Stars now find themselves in a state of uncertainty, with a growing injury list, limited preparation time, and new leadership raising major questions over their tournament readiness. Ghana enter as a genuine wildcard, with little clarity over which version of the team will actually show up.
How They Qualified
Ghana topped CAF qualifying, finishing with eight wins, one draw, and one defeat. It was a dominant campaign that saw them beat rivals like Mali and Madagascar, scoring freely whilst maintaining defensive control. A decisive 1-0 victory over Comoros, courtesy of a Mohammed Kudus goal, confirmed their qualification.
The Manager
Carlos Queiroz was appointed in April 2026 to lead Ghana into the World Cup, replacing Otto Addo, who was dismissed after friendly defeats to Germany and Austria. Queiroz brings vast international experience, having previously managed Iran, Colombia, and most recently Oman - though he failed to lead Oman to World Cup qualification. He is tasked with steadying the ship and restoring confidence in the squad within a very limited timeframe. Upcoming friendlies against Mexico and Wales will prove crucial in shaping his preferred starting XI, formation, and tactical approach for their opening match against Panama. Those of us that are little older might remember him as Alex Ferguson's assistant in 2002 and as Real Madrid manager for a year after that.
The Squad
Ghana's squad remains heavily Europe-based, featuring a blend of Premier League and continental experience. However, a significant number of key players are likely to be ruled out through injury, which could severely impact attacking creativity, defensive stability, and overall squad depth. Notable absences include Mohammed Kudus (significant quad injury), Mohammed Salisu (torn ACL--major doubt), Francis Abu (recovering from broken leg), and Inaki Williams (ongoing muscle discomfort).
The absent of Kudus cannot be overstated but despite these concerns, Ghana retain enough quality to compete, though their squad depth will be tested considerably. The combination of a new manager, injury crisis, and minimal preparation time creates genuine uncertainty about their preparedness.
Key Man
Jordan Ayew remains Ghana's most reliable attacking outlet. The experienced forward will be crucial to their hopes of creating chances in a highly competitive group. His leadership and big-game experience provide some stability during what is otherwise a period of transition for the team.
One to Watch
Ernest Nuamah could be thrust into a more prominent role given injuries affecting senior attackers. The winger's pace and directness make him a key outlet, particularly in transition. If Ghana are to salvage something from this group, Nuamah's ability to operate in wide areas and create moments through direct running may prove vital.
Tournament Prospects
England and Croatia are heavy favourites to progress from Group L. Ghana's path to the Round of 32 relies on a positive result against Panama in their opener and snatching a result against one of the European giants. Most analysts view them as contenders for a 'best third-place' spot. Their outlook is heavily dependent on fitness recovery and how quickly Queiroz can implement his defensive system - his tactical approach could make them difficult to break down.
Best-case scenario: progression to Round of 32. Most likely: tight battle for second or third in the group. Worst-case: early exit.
Panama
Odds to win the World Cup: 500/1501.00
Odds to win Group L: 25/126.00
Profile
For just the second time in their history, Panama will compete at a World Cup, their only previous appearance being the 2018 tournament in Russia. The tiny nation of 4 million people is Central America's sole representative. Whilst many will consider them minnows, their form in continental competition has been impressive. They have competed at each renewal of the CONCACAF Gold Cup since 2005, finishing as runners-up on three occasions. However, their recent run to the Copa America quarter-finals was arguably more impressive, featuring victories against both Bolivia and the USA.
How They Qualified
Panama were favourites in a four-team group but made a slow start with two draws, leaving them needing to better Suriname's result on the final matchday. With the pressure on, Panama delivered when it mattered, securing a 3-0 victory over El Salvador whilst Suriname fell to a 3-1 defeat, confirming their qualification.
The Manager
Thomas Christiansen, the Danish-born former Barcelona and Spain player, has managed Los Canaleros since July 2020. Christiansen also briefly managed Leeds United. Whilst he was unable to guide Panama to Qatar 2022, they reached the 2023 Gold Cup Final and CONCACAF Nations League semi-finals, losing to Mexico on both occasions. Having played under the revered Johan Cruyff, his philosophy mirrors the Spanish national team. Their starting formation utilises wing-backs to provide greater positional flexibility, which creates distinct passing routes in possession.
The Squad
Tactical versatility is central to Christiansen's philosophy, which favours building from the back using either a 3-4-3 or 5-4-1 formation. This flexibility stems from the quality of players at his disposal. Yoel Barcenas, a midfielder by trade, can operate as a wing-back, providing attacking width without sacrificing his defensive duties. Andres Andrade can play across multiple positions in the backline, allowing seamless transitions from a back three to a back four.
Adalberto "Coco" Carrasquilla can operate as a deep-lying playmaker, box-to-box midfielder, or as an attacking midfielder in the number 10 role. Amir Murillo - recognised as a right-back but genuinely versatile - is essential to Panama's system, comfortable in possession and ranking highly for passes attempted, progressive passing, and involvement in attacking play.
Key Man
Amir Murillo plays an integral role for Los Canaleros as a versatile right-back. Now 30 with over 90 caps and nine goals, his experience will be essential, particularly as this is his second World Cup. Murillo currently plays for Besiktas after previously playing for Roberto de Zerbi at Marseille. He is a hard runner with defensive discipline who remains comfortable in possession and genuinely adaptable to playing in various positions and systems.
One to Watch
Adalberto "Coco" Carrasquilla is another Panamanian capable of operating across midfield positions. Described as "the all-terrain vehicle" for Panama, he will be crucial to how the team transitions from defence to attack. Carrasquilla currently plays for Mexican club UNAM Pumas after previously playing for Houston Dynamo. His box-to-box energy and versatility make him invaluable to Panama's transitional approach.
Tournament Prospects
Having lost all three matches at the 2018 World Cup, Panama will hope to at least gain a point at this year's tournament, if not record a historic victory. Group L appears highly competitive, making qualification unlikely. However, with Ghana undergoing managerial change and arriving in poor recent form, Panama will feel their opening fixture represents a genuine opportunity to gain something from the tournament. Their Copa America experience combined with consistent runs in regional tournaments provide optimism. A win against Ghana would represent a massive achievement and genuinely put them in contention for a best third-place finish.
Author: Kieran O'Hanlon
World Cup Tips: How to bet Group L
Both to Finish Top 2 in the Group - England & Croatia @ 4/61.67
England and Croatia are both somewhere settled, know what they are about and should finish Top 2 in the group.
Not to Qualify from Group L - Ghana @ 5/42.25
Ghana's outlook is heavily dependent on fitness and how quickly Queiroz can implement his system, his defensive tactics could make them very difficult to break down.
They will arrive in the US in poor form having lost their last four matches with only three wins from their previous eight matches. While the experienced Carlos Queiroz should improve them defensively the lack of time on the training pitch is a concern.
The bigger issue will be to get a tune out of their underperforming attack. In narrow 1-0 victories over Comoros (ranked 109th in the world) and Mali (51st) they could only generate xG figures of 0.48 and 0.98 respectively. Against Comoros they only managed two shots across the entire 90 minutes and against a resolute Panama side in the opening game this could prove costly.
Tournament Lowest Scoring Group - Group L @ 6/17.00
Do not expect to see England and Croatia over-exert themselves. The likes of Kane and Modric should be rested if games are won, rather than chasing more goals. With Ghana missing Kudus it is easier for Queiroz to sort out a defence than an attack, do not expect many goals from Ghana.
Also Panama are ranked 41 places higher than Ghana yet are still being underestimated here. This is a well drilled side who are coming into the tournament in confident mood after an impressive run to the last eight of the 2024 Copa America.
That run included wins over the USA who were ranked 11th in the world at the time despite playing a large part of the game with 10 men and a win over Bolivia. They also pushed the pre-tournament 3rd favourites Uruguay all the way before eventually succumbing to a 3 - 1 defeat.
There is no doubt Panama will be highly motivated, any victory or point gained will be seen as huge success, they will fight to the 90+ minutes regardless of the score and with the conditions in their favour there is less chance still of some high scoring wins for England and Croatia.
Our new Bet Builder Outrights proposition means you can combine these thee legs for an interesting price of 19/120.00.
Back England and Croatia to finish in top two, Ghana not to qualify and Group L to be lowest scoring group
*Note also, if there is a tie in the Lowest Scoring Group then all ties are settled as winners.