England to face Croatia as favourable World Cup group revealed

England will face Croatia, Panama and Ghana in the 2026 World Cup group stage.

The Three Lions have been placed in Group L for the finals in North America.

Thomas Tuchel discovered the first part of his assignment at a glamorous, star-studded event in Washington DC on Friday.

England were the final pot one side drawn, having been seeded fourth based on the FIFA World Rankings.

The group stage fixtures and locations will be announced on Saturday.

However, it has been confirmed that the Three Lions will face Croatia in their opening match.

Their clash will be a rematch of the 2018 World Cup semi-final, which saw Croatia triumph in extra-time.

England are unbeaten in their three meetings since, though, including a win in the group stage of Euro 2020 at Wembley Stadium.

Tuchel will then prepare his side to face Ghana in their second match before concluding the group stage against Panama.

It will be the first competitive meeting between England and Ghana, following a 1-1 draw in a friendly back in March 2011.

Panama are appearing at their second World Cup, after exiting in the group stage on debut in 2018.

On that occasion, they were beaten 6-1 by Gareth Southgate’s England with Harry Kane scoring a hat-trick.

AFP

A potential quarter-final tie against Brazil awaits in the last eight if both sides win their groups, with the five-time winners in Group C.

Meanwhile, co-hosts Mexico could be England’s last 16 opponents during the knockout stages.

It would follow a round of 32 clash against one of the eight best third-placed teams if England top Group L.

Tuchel’s side will be among the favourites in the USA, Canada and Mexico having qualified with a perfect record.

The upcoming World Cup has been expanded to 48 teams, meaning there are now 12 groups of four.

Tune into talkSPORT live in the USA for reaction to the draw.

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More to follow.