England and Ghana missed a chance to secure a knockout spot as they played out a 0-0 draw in Group L at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In a frustratingly scrappy performance, England went close through Nico O’Reilly’s 87th-minute header but couldn’t break down a resolute Ghana defence.
England remain top of Group L on goal difference from Ghana heading into their final group matches on Saturday 27 June.
With confidence high after their ruthless 4-2 opening victory over Croatia, England soon faced a resilient fight against a resolutely organised Ghana defence who largely limited their chances aside from two free-kicks over the bar by Declan Rice in the opening 17 minutes.
Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions experienced further frustration amidst a brief pause due to a collision between Reece James and Jordan Ayew, before Rice headed Noni Madueke’s cross over the bar in the 37th minute.
Ghana subsequently tested England’s right side without much impact as neither team found a breakthrough goal before half time.
Carlos Queiroz’s Black Stars continued to trouble England as Madueke saw a 57th-minute shot blocked out to Anthony Gordon, whose curled shot was saved by Benjamin Asare.
Madueke put another shot over the bar six minutes later, but England were lucky that referee, Said Martinez didn’t give a penalty against them after Jordan Pickford collided with Ghana substitute, Prince Kwabena Adu as he came out of the box.
Ezri Konsa was the next England player to get lucky after he blocked Adu with a tackle inside the box, only for Martinez to ignore Ghana’s penalty appeals.
England nevertheless continued to press as Nico O’Reilly struck a header onto the crossbar then Harry Kane blasted his shot over the bar on a follow-up attempt.
Ghana eventually soaked up England’s pressure as both teams failed to find a late winner, and the pair were guaranteed a third-placed finish at minimum in the group after Croatia beat Panama 1-0 in their clash.
What’s Next?
England conclude their group-stage campaign against Panama at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford on Saturday 27 June at 5pm EDT (10pm BST).
Ghana meanwhile face Croatia at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia simultaneously on the above date.
Teams
England: Jordan Pickford, Reece James, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi, Djed Spence (O’Reilly 66′), Elliot Anderson (Eze 74′), Declan Rice, Noni Madueke (Rashford 83′), Jude Bellingham (Rogers 73′), Anthony Gordon (Saka 65′), Harry Kane
Substitutes: Dan Burn, Trevoh Chalobah, Eberechi Eze, Jordan Henderson, Dean Henderson, Kobbie Mainoo, Nico O’Reilly, Jarell Quansah, Marcus Rashford, Morgan Rogers, Bukayo Saka, John Stones, Ivan Toney, James Trafford, Ollie Watkins
Ghana: Benjamin Asare, Marvin Senaya (Oppong 88′), Jonas Adjetey, Jerome Opoku, Gideon Mensah, Caleb Yirenkyi, Thomas Partey, Kwasi Sibo, Inaki Williams (Fatawu 66′), Jordan Ayew (Adu 67′, Rahman Baba 95′), Antoine Semenyo
Substitutes: Prince Kwabena Adu, Joseph Anang, Abdul Rahman Baba, Augustine Boakye, Christopher Bonsu Baah, Abdul Fatawu, Derrick Luckassen, Abdul Mumin, Ernest Nuamah, Elisha Owusu, Kojo Peprah Oppong, Alidu Seidu, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Brandon Thomas-Asante, Lawrence Ait-Zigi
Referee – Said Martinez, (Honduras)
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