World Cup Roundup: England Top Group L, Croatia Reach Knockouts

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - England topped Group L with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Panama, while Croatia booked their place in the 2026 World Cup knockout stage after edging Ghana 2-1 in the final round of group-stage matches on Sunday.

Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane guided England to first place in Group L with seven points, while Croatia secured second place after Nikola Vlasic's late winner kept Zlatko Dalic's side alive in the tournament. Ghana, meanwhile, must wait to see whether they can progress as one of the best third-placed teams.

England 2-0 Panama

England sealed top spot in Group L with a convincing victory over Panama at New York Stadium.

After dominating possession throughout the opening half, Thomas Tuchel's side finally broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute. Bukayo Saka's corner found Jude Bellingham, who won an aerial duel before steering the ball into the net.

Five minutes later, Bellingham turned provider. The Real Madrid midfielder delivered a precise cross for Harry Kane, who finished clinically to double England's advantage in the 67th minute.

England controlled the remainder of the match, finishing with 17 attempts, including six on target, while Panama managed 13 shots but only tested goalkeeper Jordan Pickford twice.

The victory ensured England finished first in Group L with seven points from two wins and one draw. Panama ended the tournament at the bottom of the standings without scoring a single goal during the group stage.

As Group L winners, England will face one of the tournament's best third-placed teams in the Round of 32, with Senegal, Algeria, and DR Congo among the potential opponents.

Starting Lineups

Panama (5-3-2): Orlando Mosquera; Michael Murillo, Fidel Escobar, Jose Cordoba, Andres Andrade, Jorge Gutierrez (Davis 88'); Cristian Martínez, Yoel Barcenas (Diaz 71'), Carlos Harvey (Quintero 88'); Jose Luis Rodríguez (Londono 71'), Tomas Rodríguez (Fajardo 46').

England (4-2-3-1): Jordan Pickford; Jarell Quansah (Walker 63'), Marc Guéhi, Ezri Konsa, Nico O'Reilly; Morgan Rogers, Elliot Anderson (Jordan Henderson 84'); Jude Bellingham (Eberechi Eze 71'), Bukayo Saka (Noni Madueke 63'), Harry Kane (Ollie Watkins 84'), Marcus Rashford.

Croatia 2-1 Ghana

Croatia secured second place in Group L after defeating Ghana in a hard-fought contest at Philadelphia Stadium.

The 2018 World Cup finalists opened the scoring in the 31st minute when Petar Sucic unleashed a powerful strike from outside the penalty area after receiving a pass from Mateo Kovacic.

Ghana increased the pressure after halftime and found an equalizer in the 73rd minute. Derrick Luckassen headed home Ernest Nuamah's free kick, with the goal awarded following a VAR review after initially being ruled offside.

With the match heading toward a draw, Croatia regained the lead in the 83rd minute. Luka Modric's corner found Nikola Vlasic, whose header struck the post before crossing the goal line to restore Croatia's advantage.

Ghana pressed relentlessly in the closing stages but failed to break through Croatia's defense, allowing Zlatko Dalic's side to secure all three points.

The win lifted Croatia to second place in Group L with six points, guaranteeing their place in the Round of 32. Ghana, meanwhile, must wait for results elsewhere to determine whether they can advance as one of the best third-placed teams.

Starting Lineups

Croatia: Dominik Livakovic; Josip Stanisic, Josip Sutalo, Marin Pongracic, Ivan Perisic; Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic (Mario Pasalic 78'); Nikola Vlasic (Josko Gvardiol 88'), Petar Sucic, Martin Baturina (Marco Pasalic 88'); Ante Budimir (Igor Matanovic 66').

Ghana: Benjamin Asare; Marvin Senaya, Jonas Adjetey (Kojo Peprah Oppong 46'), Derrick Luckassen, Gideon Mensah; Kwasi Sibo (Caleb Yirenkyi 85'); Elisha Owusu (Abdul Fatawu 46'), Thomas Partey; Kamaldeen Sulemana (Ernest Nuamah 71'), Jordan Ayew (Brandon Thomas-Asante 71'), Antoine Semenyo.

Read: Cape Verde's Fairytale World Cup Debut Is Far From Over

Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News

World Cup: Colombia Top Group K After Thrilling Draw with Portugal

1 jam lalu

Harry Kane Breaks Gary Lineker's England World Cup Scoring Record

2 jam lalu

Today's Top 3 News: Will Portugal Overtake Colombia to Top Group K at World Cup?

12 jam lalu

Cape Verde's Fairytale World Cup Debut Is Far From Over

14 jam lalu

World Cup Preview: England Eye Group L Top Spot Against Panama

19 jam lalu

Belgium, Egypt Advance to 2026 World Cup Round of 32

20 jam lalu

Fact Check: Did a Fan Enter Pitch to Raise Palestinian Flag During 2026 World Cup?

21 jam lalu

World Cup Prediction: Will Portugal Edge Colombia as Group Top?

21 jam lalu

World Cup: 'Pride Match' Sparks Objections in Egypt and Iran

23 jam lalu

Cape Verde Makes History as Smallest Nation at World Cup Knockouts

1 hari lalu