2026 World Cup: England Held By Ghana As Croatia, Colombia Secure Wins

2026 World Cup: England Held By Ghana As Croatia, Colombia Secure Wins
Croatia defeated Panama to keep knockout qualification hopes alive.
Colombia secured round of 32 qualification with victory over DR Congo.

England and Ghana played out a goalless draw on Tuesday night, leaving Group L wide open ahead of the final round of matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

England entered the encounter at Gillette Stadium on the back of an impressive victory over Croatia and were widely expected to move closer to securing top spot in the group. However, the Three Lions were unable to break down a disciplined Ghanaian side despite dominating possession and creating the better chances.

Thomas Tuchel’s men controlled much of the contest, enjoying 72 per cent possession and registering 18 shots compared to Ghana’s two. Yet, they lacked the cutting edge required to find a breakthrough.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that Declan Rice sent a free kick over the crossbar, while Harry Kane saw an effort blocked before halftime. Kane and Anthony Gordon later tested Ghana goalkeeper Benjamin Asare, who dealt comfortably with both attempts.

The game came alive in the closing stages as England pushed for a winner. Bukayo Saka forced Asare into a diving save before Nico O’Reilly came within inches of securing all three points when his header crashed against the crossbar.

Kane reacted quickest to the rebound but fired over the bar, ensuring both sides settled for a point.

The result leaves England and Ghana level on four points, with England remaining top of Group L on goal difference.

In the group’s other fixture, Croatia boosted their qualification hopes with a hard fought 1-0 victory over Panama in Toronto.

Substitute Ante Budimir scored the decisive goal nine minutes into the second half, calmly finishing from Josip Stanisic’s low cross after coach Zlatko Dalic made attacking changes during the interval.

The victory was particularly memorable for veteran captain Luka Modrić, who marked his 200th international appearance with a win. The Croatian playmaker became only the fourth male footballer to reach the milestone and received a standing ovation when substituted.

Panama pressed for an equaliser late in the match, but goalkeeper Dominik Livaković produced several important saves to preserve Croatia’s advantage.

The defeat eliminated Panama from the tournament and set up a decisive final group clash between Croatia and Ghana for a place in the knockout stage.

Meanwhile, in Group K, Colombia secured qualification for the round of 32 with a 1-0 victory over DR Congo in Guadalajara.

Colombia dominated large portions of the contest but were repeatedly frustrated by DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi, who made a series of impressive saves.

After several missed opportunities, the breakthrough finally arrived in the 76th minute. Juan Fernando Quintero delivered a precise pass into the path of Daniel Muñoz, whose left footed strike took a deflection before beating Mpasi at the near post.

DR Congo pushed forward in search of a late equaliser, but Colombia held firm to record a second consecutive victory.

The result guarantees Colombia’s place in the knockout rounds and sends them to the top of Group K, while DR Congo must defeat Uzbekistan national football team in their final group match to keep their qualification hopes alive.