England manager Thomas Tuchel picked Croatia and Ghana as opponents who will make Group L tough for his team.
The three countries alongside Panama where drawn in Group L at the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw held at the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts in Washington DC on Friday, December 5.
England will play Croatia, a side they lost to in the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup, before playing Ghana and Panama next.
Reacting to the outcome of the draw, the former Chelsea manager admitted that the group will be difficult.
“Difficult group, difficult opener. Croatia and Ghana [are] two regulars in World Cups and two proud and strong nations,” he stated in an interview with the BBC on the sidelines of the event.
“Panama I don’t know much about at the moment, but we will before the tournament starts.”
Having said that he cautioned that no team in the group should be underestimated.
“Nobody should be underestimated. Of course Croatia is the standout nation but Ghana is always full of talent, can always surprise and has a big history in World Cup football.
“Panama will try to make the most of their underdog role. No-one can be underestimated, everyone deserves the fullest respect.”
According to the German coach, the 1966 champions will try and win the group in order to make it to the next phase of the tournament.
“For me, I’ve only experienced group football in Champions League formats and the way to approach it was to always give it the biggest respect and to put all the focus into winning the group.
“It always seems difficult, like our group now, but we are confident and we will be well prepared when we arrive.”
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will open with Mexico and South Africa on Thursday, June 11.