World Cup 2026 Group L Betting — England, Croatia & Ghana in the Knockouts
- England topped Group L with seven points — wins over Croatia (4–2), Panama (2–0), and a draw with Ghana — heading into the Round of 32 against DR Congo
- Croatia advanced in second on six points; Ghana advanced third on four points; Panama were eliminated without a point or a goal scored against them
- Bet on England vs DR Congo, Croatia vs Portugal, and Colombia vs Ghana via AGCO-licensed sportsbooks TonyBet and Sports Interaction. 19+
Group L at the FIFA World Cup 2026 featured England, Croatia, Ghana, and Panama, playing June 17–27, 2026. England won the group on seven points with two wins and a draw. Croatia finished second on six points after two wins. Ghana advanced third on four points (one win, one draw, one loss) as one of the eight best third-placed teams. Panama finished bottom with zero points — the only team in the tournament without a goal. For the Round of 32: England face DR Congo (Jul 1, Atlanta), Croatia face Portugal (Jul 2, Toronto), and Colombia face Ghana (Jul 3, Kansas City). Canadian bettors can wager at AGCO-licensed sportsbooks TonyBet and Sports Interaction — both accept Interac e-Transfer in CAD. Jackpot City and PlayOJO are casino-only and do not offer sports betting. 19+ (18+ in AB, MB, and QC). ConnexOntario: 1-866-531-2600. Any view on outcomes is editorial opinion only.
Group L at the FIFA World Cup 2026 turned out to be one of the most straightforwardly dramatic in the tournament's expanded 12-group format: England arrived as clear favourites, delivered on that billing, and exited the group stage top of the table with seven points. Their opening 4–2 win over Croatia — a nation they had faced in two consecutive major-tournament semi-finals and finals — set the tone immediately. A goalless draw with Ghana on matchday 2 momentarily steadied the group, but England's 2–0 win over Panama on the final matchday confirmed them as convincing group winners. Croatia recovered from that opening defeat to win their next two fixtures, edging Panama 1–0 before beating Ghana 2–1 to claim six points and second place. Ghana showed resilience — a win over Panama, a draw with England, and a narrow loss to Croatia left them on four points and comfortably inside the best third-placed bracket. Panama — the CONCACAF representative — were eliminated without a point, the tournament's only side not to score a single goal, the first such occurrence at a World Cup since 2010. The verified final Group L standings:
- Licensed by the AGCO / iGaming Ontario
- Welcome package up to $2,500 + 225 free spins + 6 bonus games
- Thousands of slots, live dealer tables and a full sportsbook
- Fast Interac e-Transfer deposits and withdrawals
- Licensed by the AGCO / iGaming Ontario
- 100% welcome bonus up to $3,000
- Canadian-focused sportsbook and casino in one account
- Live casino, slots and classic table games
- Licensed by the AGCO / iGaming Ontario
- 100% welcome bonus up to $4,000 + 420 free spins
- Online since 1998 — one of Canada's most established brands
- Hundreds of slots, progressive jackpots and live dealer games
- Licensed by the AGCO / iGaming Ontario
- Free spins and money back on every bet — win or lose
- No wagering requirements on bonuses or winnings
- OJOplus cashback paid on every spin
Our rankings are based on an independent methodology that evaluates Ontario AGCO / iGaming Ontario licensing, site safety, Interac and payment options, game variety, and overall user experience. We may earn affiliate commissions from links on this page; these commissions do not influence our rankings. 19+. Play responsibly.
Our top pick
- Licensed by the AGCO / iGaming Ontario
- Welcome package up to $2,500 + 225 free spins + 6 bonus games
- Thousands of slots, live dealer tables and a full sportsbook
- Fast Interac e-Transfer deposits and withdrawals
| Team | P | Pts | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| England | 3 | 7 | 1st — advanced to R32 |
| Croatia | 3 | 6 | 2nd — advanced to R32 |
| Ghana | 3 | 4 | 3rd — advanced as best-third |
| Panama | 3 | 0 | 4th — eliminated |
The Group L fixture recap by matchday: Matchday 1 (Jun 17) — England 4–2 Croatia (an immediate statement of intent from both sides in a high-scoring open game); Ghana 1–0 Panama (a composed win for Ghana, Panama failing to register an effort on goal). Matchday 2 (Jun 23) — England 0–0 Ghana (a tight, tactically disciplined draw that suited both sides); Panama 0–1 Croatia (Croatia's composed, low-risk win to put themselves in firm control of second place). Matchday 3 (Jun 27) — England 2–0 Panama (England's clinical close to the group phase); Croatia 2–1 Ghana (an attacking game that confirmed Croatia second and sent Ghana through as best-third on four points). The Round of 32 matchups from Group L: England vs DR Congo (Jul 1, Atlanta), Croatia vs Portugal (Jul 2, Toronto), Colombia vs Ghana (Jul 3, Kansas City). For odds and market detail on these fixtures, see our World Cup 2026 Round of 32 betting guide. For the broader tournament context, visit our World Cup 2026 betting hub. All match views are editorial opinion only.
With the group stage concluded, TonyBet and Sports Interaction — Canada's top AGCO-licensed sportsbooks — are the right place for Ontario-based bettors to find knockout markets. Both operators carry England, Croatia, and Ghana across match winner (moneyline), qualified to advance, total goals, Asian handicap, and live in-play markets. Interac e-Transfer deposits in CAD typically clear within minutes. Before betting on the R32, set a deposit limit in your account — the knockout phase is fast, intense, and runs June 28–July 3 with multiple daily fixtures. For free, confidential support, call ConnexOntario at 1-866-531-2600 (24/7). Age 19+ (18+ in AB, MB, and QC).
Why Group L matters for Canadian World Cup bettors
England, Croatia, and Ghana are three of the Round of 32's most followed nations in Canadian sportsbook markets. Here is why Group L's outcome shapes some of the biggest knockout-stage betting storylines — with all views on outcomes treated strictly as editorial opinion.
England: group winners with a point to prove
England topped Group L with seven points, confirming their status as one of the pre-tournament favourites and earning a R32 fixture against Group K third-placers DR Congo in Atlanta on July 1. England's 4–2 win over Croatia on matchday 1 was the group's highest-scoring match and sent a signal across the field. Whether that translates into a deep tournament run is editorial opinion only — see TonyBet or Sports Interaction for current odds on England to win the World Cup 2026. 19+.
Croatia: the perennial underdog story
Croatia have established a remarkable pattern of major-tournament over-performance relative to their ranking, and their Group L campaign — recovering from the 4–2 opening loss to England to win their next two games and qualify in second — adds another chapter. Their R32 opponents are Group K runners-up Portugal in Toronto on July 2, a match with enormous European football pedigree. Croatia vs Portugal is one of the most anticipated knockout ties of the first round. Any prediction is editorial opinion only; check TonyBet and Sports Interaction for live prices.
Ghana: Africa's best-third qualifier
Ghana's four-point finish in Group L — built on a win over Panama, a draw with England, and a narrow defeat to Croatia — placed them comfortably inside the eight best third-placed teams bracket, setting up a R32 date with Group K winners Colombia in Kansas City on July 3. Ghana's ability to hold England goalless on matchday 2 suggests a defensively organised side capable of a competitive knockout performance. Any view on this is opinion only. Canada's AGCO-licensed sportsbooks will carry full markets for Colombia vs Ghana.
The Toronto angle: Croatia vs Portugal
The Portugal vs Croatia Round of 32 tie is being played at BMO Field in Toronto — a Canadian venue — on July 2. For Canadian bettors and fans alike, this match has an added dimension: a true major European clash on home soil. TonyBet and Sports Interaction will carry deep markets including match winner, both teams to score, total goals, and live in-play for this fixture. Set a responsible gambling plan before betting. ConnexOntario: 1-866-531-2600. 19+.
Key Group L betting markets for the Round of 32
With Group L complete, the active markets for England, Croatia, and Ghana are now knockout-stage bets. Here is what Canadian bettors will find at TonyBet and Sports Interaction for the three Group L nations that advanced.
Match winner (moneyline) — no-draw knockout rules
In the Round of 32, there are no draws — if teams are level after 90 minutes, extra time (2×15 min) and, if needed, a penalty shootout settle the tie. Match winner markets are therefore two-way: back England, Croatia, or Ghana to win outright. Moneyline odds re-price significantly based on team news. We do not publish specific prices — see TonyBet or Sports Interaction for live markets. 19+.
To advance (qualified to next round)
A popular alternative to the match winner market: back a nation to advance to the Round of 16 regardless of whether it takes 90 minutes, extra time, or a penalty shootout. This market is widely available at AGCO-licensed sportsbooks for all three Group L R32 fixtures. It smooths out the extra-time complexity and is useful for backing teams you expect to win but where the exact path is uncertain. Check TonyBet and Sports Interaction for current lines. Opinion only.
England tournament outright
England enter the knockout phase as one of the most-bet World Cup 2026 tournament winner markets in Canada. Topping Group L sets up a potentially favourable bracket path through the R32. Tournament outright markets are available throughout the knockout stage and re-price after each result. See our <a href="/world-cup-2026-odds">World Cup 2026 odds guide</a> for how these markets work, and visit TonyBet or Sports Interaction to check the latest England prices. Editorial opinion only — no outcome is guaranteed.
Live in-play betting on Group L R32 fixtures
TonyBet and Sports Interaction both carry live in-play markets across England vs DR Congo, Croatia vs Portugal, and Colombia vs Ghana. In-play options include next goal scorer, match result at half-time, next corner, total goals in second half, and more. Knockout in-play betting is particularly active because both teams must attack in extra time, which can change market pricing dramatically. Set a session limit before kickoff and use your sportsbook's responsible gambling tools. 19+. ConnexOntario: 1-866-531-2600.
How to bet on Group L Round of 32 matches safely in Canada
England, Croatia, and Ghana are all in the Round of 32. Here is the step-by-step process for betting on their knockout ties responsibly at an AGCO-licensed sportsbook in Canada.
Choose only AGCO-licensed sportsbooks
TonyBet and Sports Interaction are licensed by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario through iGaming Ontario and are our top-ranked options for Round of 32 markets. Both carry England vs DR Congo (Jul 1), Croatia vs Portugal (Jul 2, Toronto), and Colombia vs Ghana (Jul 3) across pre-match and live formats. Jackpot City and PlayOJO are casino-only and do not accept sports wagers. Offshore, unlicensed sites have no consumer protections under Ontario law.
Set a deposit or wagering limit before the R32 phase
The Round of 32 runs June 28–July 3 with as many as four matches per day — a pace that can encourage over-wagering without a preset budget. Log in to your sportsbook account now, navigate to responsible gambling tools, and set a daily or weekly deposit limit. AGCO-licensed operators must provide this tool and must enforce your chosen limits without override. Decide your total R32 budget upfront and treat it as a ceiling.
Deposit via Interac e-Transfer in CAD
Both TonyBet and Sports Interaction accept Interac e-Transfer — Canada's most widely used and trusted online payment method. Funds typically clear within minutes and there are no conversion fees when betting in Canadian dollars. Log in to your bank's online or mobile portal, initiate an e-Transfer to the sportsbook's registered email address, and the balance will be available before kickoff. Visa and Mastercard are accepted as alternatives.
Check team news on matchday
Knockout markets for England, Croatia, and Ghana will move on team news — injury updates, suspension rulings from the group stage (yellow card accumulations are cleared for the R32 in this tournament format), and confirmed starting lineups. Follow official squad announcements and major sports outlets on the day of each fixture before committing to a bet. All team assessments and market commentary on this page are editorial opinion only.
AGCO-licensed sportsbooks available in Ontario for players 19+. Legal betting age is 18+ in Alberta, Manitoba, and Quebec. All predictions, team assessments, and market commentary are editorial opinion only — we never publish guaranteed outcomes, scores, standings, or specific odds. Never bet more than you can afford to lose. If gambling is causing problems, call ConnexOntario at 1-866-531-2600 (free, confidential, 24/7).
Frequently asked questions — World Cup 2026 Group L betting
Who were the four teams in World Cup 2026 Group L?
Group L at the FIFA World Cup 2026 consisted of England (UEFA), Croatia (UEFA), Ghana (CAF), and Panama (CONCACAF). The group played from June 17 to June 27, 2026.
What were the final Group L standings?
England topped Group L with seven points (2W 1D 0L). Croatia finished second on six points (2W 0D 1L). Ghana came third on four points (1W 1D 1L), advancing as one of the eight best third-placed teams across all 12 groups. Panama finished bottom with zero points and no goals scored — the only side in the 2026 tournament without a goal, the first at a World Cup since 2010.
What were the Group L match results?
Matchday 1 (Jun 17): England 4–2 Croatia; Ghana 1–0 Panama. Matchday 2 (Jun 23): England 0–0 Ghana; Panama 0–1 Croatia. Matchday 3 (Jun 27): England 2–0 Panama; Croatia 2–1 Ghana. England and Croatia were confirmed qualifiers by matchday 3; Ghana's second-place finish in the best-third tally also secured their progression.
Who did England face in the Round of 32?
England, as Group L winners, face Group K third-placers DR Congo in the Round of 32 on July 1 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. England enter the tie as favourites based on group-stage form and ranking, but any view on the outcome is editorial opinion only. See TonyBet or Sports Interaction for current match winner and tournament outright odds. 19+.
How did Croatia qualify from Group L?
Croatia finished second in Group L on six points. Despite the heavy 4–2 defeat to England on matchday 1, they won their next two fixtures — 1–0 vs Panama and 2–1 vs Ghana — to earn six points and second place. Their R32 fixture is against Group K runners-up Portugal on July 2 at BMO Field in Toronto. All outcome views are editorial opinion only.
How did Ghana advance from Group L despite finishing third?
Ghana finished third in Group L on four points but advanced to the Round of 32 as one of the eight best third-placed teams across all 12 groups — a route that exists because the 48-team, 12-group format requires a fair mechanism to select the best eight third-placers. Ghana's four points (from the 1–0 win over Panama and the 0–0 draw with England) were enough to make the cut. They face Colombia on July 3 in Kansas City. Any match prediction is editorial opinion only.
Where can I bet on Group L Round of 32 matches in Canada?
Canadian bettors in Ontario can place legal wagers on England vs DR Congo, Croatia vs Portugal, and Colombia vs Ghana at AGCO-licensed sportsbooks TonyBet and Sports Interaction. Both accept Interac e-Transfer in CAD and carry pre-match and live in-play markets for all R32 fixtures. Jackpot City and PlayOJO are casino-only platforms without sports betting. For more, see our <a href="/world-cup-2026-round-of-32-betting">World Cup 2026 Round of 32 betting guide</a>. 19+ (18+ in AB, MB, and QC).
What responsible gambling support is available when betting on the knockouts?
All AGCO-licensed sportsbooks must offer deposit limits, wagering limits, session time reminders, cooling-off periods, and self-exclusion tools. The knockout stage runs daily at pace — set your limits before the Round of 32 begins rather than mid-tournament. The Ontario Self-Exclusion programme allows you to exclude from all iGaming Ontario sites at once. For free, confidential support 24/7, call ConnexOntario at 1-866-531-2600. 19+ (18+ in AB, MB, and QC).
Written and reviewed by
Martin Rossi
Editor-in-Chief · Online Casinos & Gambling
Martin leads the CasinosRankNow editorial team and reviews online casinos and sportsbooks licensed in Ontario. He focuses on AGCO regulation, payment security, and responsible gambling, and personally tests every operator before recommending it.