⚽ World Cup 2026: Group L Predictions, Best Bets & Odds

While the 2026 World Cup gets underway tomorrow, it's a full week before England gets underway. It's coming home? I'm not so sure about that. But with England lined as -280 betting favorite to win Group L, they're looking at least set for the knockout rounds.

But can Croatia stun the English side and win the group? Or can Ghana or Panama shock the world and advance beyond the Group Stage? My Group L best bets and predictions find the best value on the board.

📅 World Cup 2026: Group L schedule

The schedule for Group L is one of the heavier ones in the entire tournament. There are games in Texas, Canada, and the Northeast United States. Not the worst of the groups, but certainly a few hours spent in the air between venues.

• June 17 -> England vs. Croatia (AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas)
• June 17 -> Ghana vs. Croatia (BMO Field, Toronto)

• June 23 -> England vs. Ghana (Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Mass.)
• June 23 -> Panama vs. Croatia (BMO Field, Toronto)

• June 27 -> Panama vs. England (MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, N.J.)
• June 27 -> Croatia vs. Ghana (Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia)

⚽ World Cup 2026: Group L best bets

Group L exact dual forecast: England - 1st / Croatia - 2nd (+115)

England is a who's who of the Premier League, and Thomas Tuchel has this team tuned up. The Three Lions cruised through qualification, potting 22 goals and conceding none on the way to a perfect 8-0 record. The English have elite roster depth, and a higher offensive ceiling than anyone else in this group. Tuchel sets up the team to exploit his opponents rather than following a rigid system. Even seeing players that missed the roster cut, like Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, show just how rich in talent this team is. There are only a few teams in the world that will be able to tussle with England, and none of them are in this group. 

Croatia, while being a cut below England, are still notably better than Ghana or Panama. They finished second in 2018 and showed the world that it wasn't a fluke with a third-place finish in 2022. Luka Modric can dictate how games play out, and he captured the Golden Ball in 2018, but it's important to remember that he's eight years older now and will be suiting up at 40 this time around. There is a level of experience and intelligence throughout the roster that makes them a lock to advance, but they're not going to hold with Tuchel and co. 

Ghana is a tactical mess, and Panama boasts a ceiling of being an "okay" Concacaf team. 

❓ World Cup 2026: Group L FAQs

Which teams are in Group L? 

England is joined by Croatia, Ghana, and Panama in Group L.

Who is the favorite to win Group L?

England is a -280 betting favorite to win Group L.

When does Group L play?

Group L opens their tournament play on June 17, with their second games on June 23, and their final games on June 27.