World Cup Group L: Odds to Win, Qualify

Dylan Wilkerson Sports Betting Expert

16 minute read

Updated on 4/21/26

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The World Cup is slated to start on June 11th, 2026. Here are the latest World Cup Group L winner odds and odds for Group L teams to qualify for the knockout round.

Updated on 4/21/26

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Odds to Win Group L

• England (71%)
• Croatia (20%)
• Ghana (6%)
• Panama (4%)

Odds to Advance Out of Group L

• England (85%)
• Croatia (84%)
• Ghana (46%)
• Panama (28%)

Group L Team Previews

1. England

The "Three Lions" enter 2026 as one of the heavy favorites to end their 60-year trophy drought. Under the new tactical leadership of Thomas Tuchel, England has moved toward a more aggressive, high-pressing system that aims to maximize their immense attacking depth.

• How They Qualified: England dominated UEFA Group K, securing their spot automatically with several games to spare in late 2025.
• Team Overview: England boasts one of the most valuable squads in the world. They are a team that excels in ball retention but has recently added a more clinical, vertical edge to their game. With world-class options in every position, they are the clear favorites to win the group.
• Star Players:
  • Harry Kane: The captain and record-breaking striker. His ability to drop deep and play-make, combined with his elite finishing, makes him the team's indispensable leader.
  • Jude Bellingham: A generational midfield talent who provides the box-to-box energy and technical brilliance that drives the English offense.

2. Croatia

The "Vatreni" (The Blazers) are the ultimate survivors of international football. Despite a relatively small population, they consistently reach the final stages of major tournaments through sheer tactical intelligence and mental toughness.

• How They Qualified: Croatia qualified as the winners of UEFA Group L, finishing ahead of the Czech Republic in a highly competitive qualifying group.
• Team Overview: Croatia's game is built around their legendary midfield. They are masters at managing the tempo of a match and "suffocating" opponents with possession. While they are often written off due to an aging core, their ability to navigate high-pressure group stages remains unparalleled.
• Star Players:
  • Luka Modrić: Still conducting the midfield at age 40, the legendary captain remains the heartbeat of the side in what will be his final World Cup.
  • Joško Gvardiol: One of the world's premier modern defenders, providing the speed and ball-playing ability that allows Croatia to build from the back.

3. Ghana

The "Black Stars" are back with a point to prove. Following some recent coaching changes, they have turned to the experienced Carlos Queiroz to bring defensive stability and tactical discipline to their naturally explosive attacking talent.

• How They Qualified: Ghana qualified as winners of CAF Group I, navigating a difficult African qualifying path to secure their fifth World Cup appearance.
• Team Overview: Ghana is a team built on speed and individual flair. Under Queiroz, expect a more "organized" version of the Black Stars that looks to hit opponents on lightning-fast counter-attacks. They possess a youthful squad that is physically imposing and technically gifted.
• Star Players:
  • Mohammed Kudus: A dynamic creative force who can play across the attacking line. His dribbling and long-range shooting are Ghana's primary "X-factors."
  • Antoine Semenyo: A rising star in the Premier League who provides the physical presence and clinical edge needed to lead the line.

4. Panama

"Los Canaleros" are making their second World Cup appearance (their first since 2018). They enter Group L as the underdogs, but they are a far more seasoned and tactically mature side than the one that debuted eight years ago.

• How They Qualified: Panama secured their spot as CONCACAF Group A winners, qualifying without losing a single game in the final stage of their regional qualifying.
• Team Overview: Under Thomas Christiansen, Panama plays a disciplined, possession-oriented style that is atypical for Central American sides. They are well-drilled, physically resilient, and have shown they can frustrate high-profile opponents by staying compact and picking their moments to strike.
• Star Players:
  • Amir Murillo: A highly experienced defender with extensive European experience, providing the leadership and tactical awareness needed at the back.
  • José Córdoba: A rising star in European club football, known for his speed and ability to read the game, making him a vital part of the Panamanian defense.

Dylan Wilkerson

Dylan Wilkerson has over 5 years of experience reporting and analyzing the sports betting industry for various sites. His portfolio includes work for SportsHandle and Action Network, in addition to VegasInsider. His favorite sports are the NFL, College Football, The PGA Tour, the LIV Tour, and Cricket. Dylan has a broad and deep understanding of various sports-related topics. More from Dylan Wilkerson