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England is hoping to win Group L and set up a date with a third-place group finisher in the knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup.
The Three Lions can achieve that goal by beating Panama, but that won't necessarily be an easy task.
Los Canaleros lost both of their World Cup-opening matches, but each was a 1-0 defeat. Their defense could prove tough for England to break through, though it's worth wondering if Panama – the lone team at the 2026 World Cup that is yet to score – will be able to score enough to put pressure on The Three Lions.
Either way, Panama has nothing to lose as it plays England. Los Canaleros are merely playing for pride in their final game at the 2026 World Cup and are seeking to earn their first point at the marquee soccer tournament.
Here's what to know about Panama's status at the 2026 World Cup and a full look at the Group L standings:
Yes, Panama has been eliminated from the 2026 World Cup. Los Canaleros lost to both Ghana and Croatia to open the tournament, leaving it no path to a third-place finish after England earned four points across its first two matches.
Even if Panama is able to beat England and earn three points, the best it can do is tie Croatia for third place.
In previous tournament formats, Panama would have had a chance to earn third place over Croatia by posting a superior goal differential. However, the first tiebreaker at the 2026 World Cup is head-to-head results, which would give Croatia the advantage after its 1-0 win over Panama in the second group-stage match.
So, Panama will be heading home regardless of its result against England.
Below is a look at how Group L looks entering its final group stage matches at the 2026 World Cup:
Any of Croatia, England and Ghana could win Group L, though The Three Lions entered play Saturday with the best chance of winning the group.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Is Panama out of the World Cup? What to know about England's opponent
Continue reading...
The Three Lions can achieve that goal by beating Panama, but that won't necessarily be an easy task.
Los Canaleros lost both of their World Cup-opening matches, but each was a 1-0 defeat. Their defense could prove tough for England to break through, though it's worth wondering if Panama – the lone team at the 2026 World Cup that is yet to score – will be able to score enough to put pressure on The Three Lions.
Either way, Panama has nothing to lose as it plays England. Los Canaleros are merely playing for pride in their final game at the 2026 World Cup and are seeking to earn their first point at the marquee soccer tournament.
Here's what to know about Panama's status at the 2026 World Cup and a full look at the Group L standings:
Is Panama out of the World Cup?
Yes, Panama has been eliminated from the 2026 World Cup. Los Canaleros lost to both Ghana and Croatia to open the tournament, leaving it no path to a third-place finish after England earned four points across its first two matches.
Even if Panama is able to beat England and earn three points, the best it can do is tie Croatia for third place.
In previous tournament formats, Panama would have had a chance to earn third place over Croatia by posting a superior goal differential. However, the first tiebreaker at the 2026 World Cup is head-to-head results, which would give Croatia the advantage after its 1-0 win over Panama in the second group-stage match.
So, Panama will be heading home regardless of its result against England.
Group L standings at 2026 World Cup
Below is a look at how Group L looks entering its final group stage matches at the 2026 World Cup:
- England – 4 points
- Ghana – 4 points
- Croatia – 3 points
- Panama – 0 points
Any of Croatia, England and Ghana could win Group L, though The Three Lions entered play Saturday with the best chance of winning the group.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Is Panama out of the World Cup? What to know about England's opponent
Continue reading...
