World Cup 2026 draw: Spurs and Liverpool target could ruin England's summer dream

England have been drawn into Group L for the 2026 World Cup

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After a lengthy draw in Washington D.C., England finally discovered their 2026 World Cup group stage opponents.

The Three Lions were the final pick from Pot 1, putting them at the top of Group L. Meanwhile, Scotland have been drawn into a tasty pool in Group C, which will see them come up against Brazil, Morocco and Haiti.

As for Wales and Northern Ireland, their position hangs in the balance as one nation must still progress through the play-offs. Whoever qualifies for the tournament - out of Northern Ireland, Wales, Italy, and Bosnia and Herzegovina - will be the final team drawn into Group B against host nation Canada, Qatar and Switzerland.

The first match of the 2026 World Cup will take place between hosts Mexico and South Africa.

Who will England face in the World Cup group stage?

England have been drawn against Croatia, Ghana and Panama for their group stage games at the World Cup.

Thomas Tuchel’s side will be thrown straight into the action with a tricky first tie. Their first game of the tournament will be against Croatia on June 17th - a repeat of the 2018 semi-final, which ended 2-1 to Croatia after extra time, knocking England out of the competition.

England will then face Ghana on June 23rd, followed by their clash with Panama on the 27th.

Tuchel will use these remaining months to finalise who he wants on the plane for next summer. It’s going to be a crucial period for all nations, and England have some tough opponents to beat if they want to progress into the knockouts.

In-demand Premier League star to face England at World Cup

Most England fans will be focusing on the 2018 semi-final repeat against Croatia but Ghana could prove to be a sticky rival to come up against as well. The Black Stars boast secret weapon Antoine Semenyo in their ranks, who has become one of the most sought-after players in world football over recent months.

Semenyo has been turning the heads of multiple clubs recently, particularly those at rival clubs in the Premier League. The winger is currently impressing with his performances for Bournemouth but the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool are showing huge interest in potentially signing him next year.

After contributing 11 goals and seven assists for the Cherries last season, Semenyo is on track to better his tally. The 25-year-old has nine goalscoring contributions in 13 Premier League appearances, making him hot property at the Vitality Stadium.

The latest transfer rumours surrounding Semenyo claim Liverpool are one of the clubs at the front of the queue hoping to snap up the winger. The Reds are on the market for a long-term successor to Mohamed Salah, but Tottenham have also been named as keen admirers of the Ghanaian, and they could attempt a move as early as January.

Based on his form, we can expect to see Semenyo in action for Ghana next summer, which could make for a tough outing for England.

Most of England’s starting regulars will know Semenyo well from the Premier League and will be well aware of the threat he poses in attack. Tuchel’s side must focus on keeping the influential wide player quiet when they face Ghana in June.