Ghana vs England: Everything you need to know about their World Cup 2026 match

England and Ghana square off in one of the standout fixtures on Matchday 13 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup as both nations chase an early place in the Round of 32.

The Three Lions head into Tuesday’s Group L showdown after an entertaining 4-2 victory over Croatia, while Ghana edged Panama 1-0 in their opening match to leave both teams level on three points heading into the contest.

With qualification and potentially top spot in the group at stake, the meeting at Boston Stadium promises to be one of the most eagerly anticipated games of the group stage.

Previous Meetings

England and Ghana will meet at the FIFA World Cup for the first time in history.

Their only previous encounter came in an international friendly at Wembley Stadium on 29 March 2011. That match ended in a 1-1 draw after goals from Andy Carroll and Asamoah Gyan.

Key Match Statistics

England remain unbeaten against African opposition at the FIFA World Cup, recording five wins and three draws from eight matches. Ghana will become the eighth different African nation England have faced in the competition.

This fixture will also mark only England’s second-ever match in Boston, USA. Their previous visit came in June 1993 when they suffered a 2-0 friendly defeat to the United States under Graham Taylor.

Ghana have previously won two group-stage matches at a single World Cup tournament only once, achieving the feat in 2006 against Czechia and the USA. However, the Black Stars are winless in their last four World Cup matches against European opposition, drawing one and losing three.

England will now be targeting back-to-back victories to open a World Cup campaign for the fourth time in their history after achieving it in 1982, 2006 and 2018.

Interestingly, Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz suffered the heaviest World Cup defeat of his managerial career against England during the 2022 tournament when his Iran side lost 6-2 in the group stage.

England also impressed statistically in their opening fixture against Croatia. Only Germany registered more shots on target on Matchday One, while Thomas Tuchel’s side also produced the highest expected goals figure from set-piece situations.

Players Chasing Records

Harry Kane enters the game on the brink of history after scoring twice against Croatia. The England captain has netted five goals in five appearances against African opposition, including World Cup strikes against Tunisia and Senegal. Another goal against Ghana would see him surpass Gary Lineker as England’s all-time leading scorer at the FIFA World Cup.

Jude Bellingham could make his 50th appearance for England in this match. At 22 years and 359 days old, he would become the youngest player ever to reach that milestone for the men’s national team.

Jordan Pickford and John Stones could both make their 14th World Cup appearances for England, leaving only Peter Shilton ahead of them in the country’s all-time standings.

For Ghana, Jordan Ayew continues to play a crucial leadership role. Against Panama, he recorded the highest number of high-intensity pressures by any striker on Matchday One and also became the oldest Ghanaian player ever to feature at the World Cup.

What The Coaches Are Saying

England manager Thomas Tuchel praised the strength and depth within his squad after the opening win over Croatia.

“We are so strong from the bench and I was so impressed with everyone against Costa Rica because they pushed on the buttons and pushed on the gas and kept suffocating the opponent. We needed this quality against Croatia to bring it over the line. I know they are all starters. They buy into this idea that we do it as a team.”

Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz believes sacrifice and discipline will be essential if the Black Stars are to upset England.

“We have to suffer; there is no other way. We must be ready to make sacrifices. You have to be ready to pay the price because a win in this World Cup is very expensive. But the boys are ready to pay that price. Very expensive.”

Players To Watch

Harry Kane – England

Kane once again demonstrated his quality in England’s opening victory over Croatia with two goals and an influential all-round display. Beyond his finishing ability, the Bayern Munich striker’s movement and link-up play allow England’s midfield runners to attack dangerous spaces around him.

Antoine Semenyo – Ghana

Antoine Semenyo will be eager to make a bigger impact after a relatively quiet performance against Panama. The Ghana winger’s pace, direct running and aggression in attacking situations could provide England’s defence with difficult moments throughout the contest.

How To Watch

England versus Ghana will be broadcast live on BBC One in the United Kingdom.

Match Details

Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026
Fixture: England vs Ghana
Group: Group L
Date: Tuesday, 23 June 2026
Kick-off Time: 9pm BST
Venue: Boston Stadium