World Cup 2026: Zlatan Ibrahimovic backs Ghana to upset England and Croatia in tough Group L

Former Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic believes Ghana have the quality to spring surprises against England and Croatia in Group L of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The global football spectacle got underway on Thursday, June 11, with the Black Stars preparing to begin their campaign against Panama on June 17 in Toronto.

Ghana are making their fifth appearance at the FIFA World Cup after securing qualification for the expanded tournament being hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. The Black Stars have been drawn in a challenging Group L alongside England, Croatia and Panama.

While many have tipped England and Croatia to progress from the group, Ibrahimovic believes Ghana possess enough talent to trouble both European sides and potentially influence the race for qualification.

“I’m supporting Croatia in this tournament. We have Ghana, a side blessed with immense talent, so it will be interesting to see what they can bring to the competition. We also have Panama, but unfortunately this is a very tough group for them,” Ibrahimovic said.

“I believe England and Croatia will battle for top spot, but Ghana could make things difficult for both teams and take points off them. I don’t mean any disrespect to Panama, but this group will be a challenging one for them to pick up points in.”

Meanwhile, the Black Stars have arrived in Providence, Rhode Island, as they enter the final stage of preparations for the tournament.

The team departed Virginia on Thursday afternoon and landed at T.F. Green International Airport at approximately 6:00 p.m., concluding a productive week-long training camp in the Washington area.

Otto Addo’s side will use Bryant University in Smithfield as their official base camp, taking advantage of the institution’s state-of-the-art facilities before travelling to Toronto on June 15 ahead of their opening fixture against Panama at BMO Field.

After facing Panama, Ghana will turn their attention to crucial encounters against England and Croatia as they seek a place in the knockout rounds.

The Black Stars are aiming to reach the World Cup knockout stage for the first time since their historic run at the 2010 tournament in South Africa, where they became only the third African nation to reach the quarter-finals.

Ghana previously competed at the World Cup in 2006, 2010, 2014 and 2022, and will be hoping to produce another memorable campaign on football’s biggest stage.