Group L After June 23: England, Ghana Both on 3 — Who Advances
England and Ghana both have three points in World Cup 2026 Group L after Matchday 1; Croatia and Panama have none. Here's what each team needs from the June 23 matches and the June 27 deciders, plus the eSIM for North America.
Published June 23, 2026·5 min read
Summary
England and Ghana both have three points in World Cup 2026 Group L after Matchday 1 — England beat Croatia 4-2 and Ghana beat Panama 1-0— leaving Croatia and Panama on zero. The June 23 games (England vs Ghana, Panama vs Croatia) shape the June 27 deciders. Here's what each team needs, plus the one eSIM that keeps you online across every host city.
Group L standings after Matchday 1
Per the confirmed results, England and Ghana have separated themselves early, but under the 48-team format the eight best third-placed teams also advance, so the June 23 results carry real weight for everyone.
| Team | Played | Points | June 23 match |
|---|---|---|---|
| England | 1 | 3 | vs Ghana (4 p.m. ET) |
| Ghana | 1 | 3 | vs England (4 p.m. ET) |
| Croatia | 1 | 0 | vs Panama (7 p.m. ET) |
| Panama | 1 | 0 | vs Croatia (7 p.m. ET) |
What each team needs
England can take command of the group by beating Ghanain Boston — a result would set up a comfortable June 27 finale against Panama. Ghana, level on points, can leapfrog England with a win. For Croatia and Panama, their Toronto meeting is close to win-or-go-home: both lost on Matchday 1, so the loser sits on zero with one game left and almost no path through. Croatia, beaten 4-2 by England, will be desperate to rescue their tournament. See the wider Group L preview and Round of 32 scenarios.
eSIM vs roaming vs pocket Wi-Fi for World Cup travel
| Option | Cost | Setup time | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| eSIM | Low | ~5 min (pre-install on Wi-Fi) | Excellent (local carrier) |
| Carrier roaming | High | Instant (already enabled) | Medium (partner-dependent) |
| Pocket Wi-Fi | Medium | Airport pickup / rental | Good (extra device to charge) |
Group L spans the US and Canada — Boston and Toronto — so following the group means a border crossing. Live tables, the FIFA World Cup 26™ mobile ticket, transit, and rideshare all run on data, and US roaming plans rarely include Canada cheaply. A North America eSIM keeps you online on local networks in both countries plus Mexico on one plan, so there's no SIM swap between host cities. From US$5 with Apple Pay, Google Pay, or card — see our cross-border guide.
FAQ
QWho leads World Cup 2026 Group L after Matchday 1?
AEngland and Ghana are tied at the top with three points each. England beat Croatia 4-2 and Ghana beat Panama 1-0, leaving Croatia and Panama on zero points.
QWhat do the June 23 Group L matches decide?
AJune 23 is Matchday 2: England vs Ghana (4 p.m. ET, Boston) and Panama vs Croatia (7 p.m. ET, Toronto). The England-Ghana winner takes control of the group, while the Panama-Croatia loser is essentially eliminated.
QAre Croatia and Panama out if they lose on June 23?
AEffectively — both lost on Matchday 1, so the loser of their Toronto meeting sits on zero points with one game left. That leaves almost no path to the Round of 32.
QWhat eSIM covers Boston and Toronto on one plan?
AA North America eSIM covers the USA and Canada on local networks on a single plan, plus Mexico. The same eSIM works in Boston, Toronto, and every other host city without swapping SIMs. Plans start around US$5.
Bottom line
Group L splits cleanly after Matchday 1: England and Ghana fight for control in Boston, while Croatia and Panama meet in Toronto to stay alive. Track the full June 23 slate and grab a World Cup 2026 eSIM that covers every host city on one plan.