* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * / evening’ on Tuesday night, and neither team could get a result leaving Group L to reach the final stage of the game.The two teams entered the match with three points after winning the round and knew that another win would secure a first place in the Round of 32. England arrived as favorites after their thrilling 4-2 victory over Croatia, while Ghana took confidence from a stunning 1-0 victory over Panama courtesy of Caleb Yirenkyi’s stoppage time winner.What followed was an intellectual contest that had no power, even if it was aimless.
Ghana have frustrated England’s star attack
Thomas Tuchel’s side dominated the opening whistle, but Ghana manager Carlos Queiroz produced a defensive system that repeatedly denied England space in dangerous situations.Using a 5-4-1 formation, Ghana forced England to circle their possession around their defensive wall and limit chances.The result was a striking contrast. England controlled 78.8 percent, the highest ever recorded by an unbeaten team at a World Cup. Despite controlling the ball and dominating possession throughout, the Three Lions had 19 shots but managed just three attempts on target.
England’s Harry Kane (9) takes a shot and misses during the World Cup Group L soccer match between England and Ghana in Foxborough, Mass., near Boston, Tuesday, June 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)
Ghana, meanwhile, spent a lot of time defending heavily and blocking space between the lines. The Black Stars finished with just two shots, one of which tested the keeper, but their defensive unit ensured that England did not look good.Ghana’s style was evident in the poor numbers, with Queiroz’s side committing 24 fouls as they repeatedly disrupted England’s rhythm and thwarted attacks.
The first symptoms are depression
Ghana’s best attacking moments came from quick transitions and direct runs whenever they got possession.One of the biggest talking points of the game came early on when Prince Adu broke through England’s defense and appeared to have his way to goal. Ezri Konsa made a difficult recovery, prompting the bench and Ghana’s players to call for major penalties. The referee denied the allegations, and England had the chance to escape without further punishment.
England’s Ezri Konsa (2) clears the ball in front of Ghana’s Prince Adu (25) during the World Cup Group L soccer match between England and Ghana in Foxborough, Mass., near Boston, Tuesday, June 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Charlie Krupa)
The first part slowly got into trouble. England struggled to create clear chances, and failed to register a single shot before the break.Frustrations mounted as the teams made their way onto the road, with Jude Bellingham starting a conversation with Ghanaian coach Carlos Queiroz.
A spectacular finish does not produce a winner
The match came back to life in the late stages. In the 83rd minute, Bukayo Saka made a powerful drive down the flank before cutting inside and unleashing a powerful effort that forced Ghanaian goalkeeper Benjamin Asare to make a save.
England’s Bukayo Saka (7) and Ghana’s Kwasi Sibo (8) take the ball during the World Cup Group L soccer match between England and Ghana in Foxborough, Mass., near Boston, Tuesday, June 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)
Five minutes later, England were almost done. Nico O’Reilly rose to meet the cross and steered a curling header into the bottom of the crossbar. The rebound fell spectacularly to Harry Kane, but the England captain just headed into an open goal from close range.
England’s Nico O’Reilly (3) reacts during the World Cup Group L soccer match between England and Ghana in Foxborough, Mass., near Boston, Tuesday, June 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
The game continued until stoppage time.Marc Guéhi headed home from a corner in the 93rd minute and looked set to win the game, but Kojo Peprah Oppong conceded a goal that kept Ghana’s clean sheet intact.Guéhi also excelled in his 126-wicket win against England as he made seven mistakes from Ghana who played hard and defensively.
The appearance of Group L and what is to come
The final whistle produced a very different feeling. The Ghanaian players celebrated enthusiastically with their supporters after a defensive plan that upset one of their favourites. Meanwhile, England left the field frustrated at not being able to convert the three points.The result adds another entry into England’s World Cup history books. The Three Lions have now played 23 matches in World Cup history, with 13 of them ending without a goal.Group L will remain ready heading into the deadline:
- England – 4 points, +2 different goals
- Ghana – 4 points, + 1 goal difference
Croatia and Panama are behind them and are still waiting for the end of their second group.England face Panama in their final group knowing that victory will be at stake and a good draw in the Round of 32. Ghana, meanwhile, face Croatia with qualification in the offing after another composed and strong display.For England, it was a reminder that money alone does not guarantee anything at the World Cup. For Ghana, it was proof that organization, control and patience can frustrate even the most talented attacking teams on the big stage.