Panama face England in their final Group L match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Panama will finish bottom of Group L regardless of the result, whilst England will top the group with victory.
A draw however would be enough for Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions to win the group if Ghana and Croatia also draw in their meeting, otherwise they will finish second if any of the following scenarios unfold;
- England and Ghana both win their matches but the latter achieves a higher overall goal difference, or goals scored in event of equal goal difference or a better Fair Play ranking.
- England draw against Panama and Ghana beat Croatia.
- England draw against Panama and Croatia beat Ghana.
- England lose against Panama and Croatia fail to beat Ghana.
Team News
Adalberto Carrasquilla is ruled out for Panama as he continues to recover from an adductor injury, which kept him out of defeats to Ghana and Croatia.
England could be without Reece James due to a hamstring injury.
Declan Rice is a doubt with a calf injury, but it is thought that Tuchel is planning to rest him anyway due to his risk of suspension if he was to feature and pick up a second yellow card of the tournament.
When is Kick-Off?
Panama face England at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, on Saturday 27 June at 5pm EDT (10pm BST), live on ITV1 and ITVX in the UK.
Stat Attack
- Panama lost their only previous World Cup meeting against England by a 6-1 result in 2018.
- England are playing as the designated away team against Panama for the first time at a World Cup.
- No Panama player has produced more crosses in their first two matches than Jose Luis Rodriguez (16).
- No England player has attempted more shots in the first two matches than Harry Kane (10).
Prediction
Eliminated and the only team now yet to score at least one goal, Panama have absolutely nothing to lose coming into this match after a pair of tight 1-0 losses, but they can be proud of their performances which marked a major improvement on their showing in 2018.
England meanwhile will of been frustrated at their wasteful draw against Ghana because they lacked the finishing composure in their final touches on top of lacklustre creativity, yet allowed themselves to be defensively caught high up the pitch and lucky not to be punished.
I however do expect Tuchel’s Three Lions to bounce back because this is a brilliant opportunity to top the group and get an easier Round of 32 tie.
Prediction: Panama 0-2 England
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