‘This group is open, we fear no one’

Following Ghana’s confirmation of their group opponents for the 2026 World Cup, netizens have shared their reactions online.

The Black Stars will face England, Croatia and Panama in Group L after Friday’s draw on December 5, 2025.

The 2010 quarter-finalists now have a familiar challenge ahead, with reunions against England and Croatia, two European sides with long World Cup histories. Their meeting with Panama will be a first at the tournament.

Reactions across social media have been a mix of confidence, excitement and rivalry. Many users say the clash with England carries emotional weight, mostly because of the historical relationship between the two countries.

“We need to beat our colonial master with passion,” one user wrote.

Others laid out what they feel Ghana must do to progress from the group.

“We beat Panama, beat Croatia and whatever happens in the England game, we play for pride,” another fan posted.

Ghana to face England, Croatia and others in Group L

Another football fan also shared a confident outlook, predicting how the Black Stars should approach the group.

“We for surely win against Panama by 3 goals or 4 and draw vs Croatia. The England game will be for pride, but we’ll play that as a colonial masters game,” the fan said.

There’s also a section of supporters who believe Group L is more open than it appears. They argue that none of the teams pose an overwhelming threat.

“I don’t know but this is an open group. I never rate England and Croatia, not dangerous. Panama, sneaky but not dangerous. Very open group,” one user said.

Ghana will open their campaign against Panama on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, in Dallas.

The 2026 World Cup, to be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, kicks off on June 11. This edition has expanded from 32 to 48 teams, creating 12 groups of four. Another 22 nations will compete in playoffs in March to secure the final six slots.

The tournament will run from June 11, 2026, to July 19, 2026, across 16 venues, with the number of matches rising from 64 to 104.

The final of the World Cup will be hosted at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey and will feature the first-ever World Cup halftime show.

In the new format, group winners, runners-up and the eight best third-placed teams will advance to a newly introduced round of 32. The eventual champions will play eight matches in total.

Read some of the comments below:

AK/AM