• FOOTBALL

    CROATIA IN GROUP L: ENGLAND, GHANA, PANAMA

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    The Croatian national football team was drawn into Group L at the FIFA World Cup 2026 alongside England, Ghana, and Panama during the star-studded ceremony at Washington’s Kennedy Center on December 4.​

    The HNS delegation, led by president Marijan Kustić, included Tomislav Svetina (general secretary), Ante Vučemilović Šimunović (first vice-president), Zlatko Dalić (head coach), Stipe Pletikosa (technical director), Iva Olivari (team manager), Tomislav Pacak (spokesperson), and Nikša Martinac (ticket commissioner). Hosted by Heidi Klum & Kevin Hart, featured Rio Ferdinand, Tom Brady, Wayne Gretzky, Aaron Judge, Shaquille O’Neal; performers Andrea Bocelli, Robbie Williams, Nicole Scherzinger, Village People. Schedule: England (Jun 17 Dallas), Panama (Jun 23/24 Toronto), Ghana (Jun 27 Philadelphia).​

    England: Pre-tournament favorites with Southgate’s golden generation (Bellingham, Foden, Kane, Saka) – fifth Dalić-era clash after Qatar semis penalties; Group L’s only TOP 10 matchup. Ghana: African powerhouses (2010 quarters, 2006 round of 16), led by dynamic attackers like Kudus and the Ayew brothers – physical challenge with WC pedigree. Panama: CONCACAF underdogs on second WC appearance (2018 group stage) – disciplined, counter-attacking style under Thomas Christiansen.​

    Historic 48-team expansion (first since 1994’s 24 teams) across 16 North American cities; two group winners + eight best third-placed advance (tiebreakers: GD, goals scored, H2H, fair play, draw). Favorable positioning for Croatia’s third straight WC (Russia bronze, Qatar silver).​

    Balanced draw favors Croatia’s experience – beatable Panama/Ghana opens quarterfinal path despite England test.

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