Football

England, Ghana edge closer to last 32 after goalless draw

Agence France-Presse
Ghana’s defender #18 Jerome Opoku (C), Ghana’s forward #07 Abdul Fatawu (L) and England’s forward #09 Harry Kane (R) react after a draw in the 2026 World Cup Group L football match between England and Ghana at the Boston Stadium in Foxborough on June 23, 2026. (Photograph: MAURO PIMENTEL / AFP)
England and Ghana moved a step closer to the World Cup knockout stage after playing out a goalless draw in Foxborough on Tuesday.

The result leaves both teams on four points at the top of Group L, with England leading on goal difference ahead of Ghana heading into their final group-stage matches.

Thomas Tuchel’s side will face Panama in their last Group L fixture, knowing that victory would likely secure top spot and set up a last-32 clash in Atlanta on 1 July.

England had opened their campaign in impressive fashion with a 4-2 victory over Croatia, producing a dominant attacking display against the 2018 World Cup runners-up.

However, they struggled to replicate that performance against a disciplined Ghanaian side that defended deep and effectively limited England’s attacking threat. Despite enjoying most of the possession, England created few clear-cut opportunities and rarely tested the Black Stars’ defence.

Ghana came closest to a breakthrough late in the game and were left frustrated when they were denied what appeared to be a strong penalty claim in the 79th minute after Ezri Konsa brought down substitute Prince Adu inside the box.

England’s lacklustre display was epitomised in the closing stages when captain Harry Kane blazed over from close range with the goal at his mercy.

The draw leaves Group L finely poised, with Croatia and Panama scheduled to meet later on Tuesday.

Elsewhere, Croatia captain Luka Modric is set to make his 200th appearance for the national team. Only three male players in international football history have earned more caps than the veteran midfielder.

Trump to attend World Cup final

Off the pitch, FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed that United States President Donald Trump will attend the World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on 19 July and will join the trophy presentation ceremony.

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“We will be together with the president enjoying the final and handing the trophy to the winner, of course, together,” Infantino told Fox & Friends.

Meanwhile, France announced that head coach Didier Deschamps has temporarily left the team’s training camp following the death of his mother.

Assistant coach Guy Stephan will oversee preparations and lead the team for Friday’s final group-stage match against Norway. France need only a draw to secure top spot in their group.

AFP