- England vs Ghana played out a goalless draw, with the Black Stars producing an impressive defensive display.
- The match was played on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at Gillette Stadium.
- England will face Panama in their final group-stage match, while Ghana take on Croatia.
FIFA World Cup 2026 hopefuls England got frustrated by a defensive Ghana, held to a goalless Group L matchday 2 stalemate on Tuesday at Gillette Stadium, which stalled their smooth charge into the Round of 32.
Just like in 2022 in Qatar, the Three Lions have now failed to secure back-to-back group stage victories for the second consecutive tournament.
Having opened their campaign with an emphatic 4-2 thrashing of Croatia, they figured it would be a breeze against the Black Stars, who managed a 1-0 opener over Panama.
However, Thomas Tuchel’s two tweaks for this encounter, bringing in March Guehi and Djed Spence for Croatian game starters O’Riley and John Stones, ran straight into a low block Ghana side anchored by a 2026 debut making Thomas Partey.
The first half unfolded far from expectations, with Ghana’s rearguard staying rock solid.
England’s first genuine sight of goal came in the 15th minute: Rice barrelled into a challenge, nicked the ball back to Gordon, who had space but chose to slip it inside to Anderson.
Anderson really should have fed Bellingham again but instead pulled the trigger, only for Ghana to block and smother any rebound danger.
The second half offered little more drama, though England did carve out a late chance when O’Reilly rose highest to meet a header, only to see it kiss off the crossbar.
The ball dropped for Harry Kane, and you were bracing for the net to ripple, but the England skipper blazed it over the bar.
That left Ghana celebrating a precious point, while for the one time world champions, it was hardly a commanding display.
They had hoped to cruise toward qualification, but now they must face Panama in their final group match to secure top spot and a kinder knockout opponent.
Ghana, meanwhile, take on Croatia on Sunday, aiming to surpass their 2010 quarterfinal run.
England vs Ghana – FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L Lineups (Tuesday, June 23, 2026)
- England starting XI: Jordan Pickford, Reece James, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi, Djed Spence, Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson, Noni Madueke, Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon, Harry Kane.
- Ghana starting XI: Benjamin Asare, Marvin Senaya, Jonas Adjetey, Jerome Opoku, Gideon Mensah, Caleb Yirenkyi, Thomas Partey, Kwasi Sibo, Inaki Williams, Jordan Ayew, Antoine Semenyo.
Read more about other World Cup teams in 2026 below:
Morocco national football team 2026
Argentina national football team 2026
Mexico national football team 2026
Spain national football team 2026
Brazil national football team 2026
France national football team 2026
Senegal national football team 2026