Ferdinand Warns Ghana and Croatia Could Test England at 2026 World Cup

Former England defender Rio Ferdinand believes the Three Lions will face a tougher-than-expected start at the 2026 World Cup after landing in Group L with Croatia, Ghana, and Panama. Speaking to GOAL moments after the draw, he admitted, “I was not happy with England’s group… you want a group where you go, ‘Listen, we can just sneak through there. Not too many hard games’.”

Ferdinand highlighted Croatia and Ghana as the main threats, describing them as experienced sides with strong quality. He said, “We've got Croatia, Modric-inspired Croatia, Ghana, and Panama… Panama, I think, will be a team that we should win against, but Ghana, Croatia, I think, they are going to make it difficult.”

The draw also sets up a tense rematch with Croatia, who knocked England out in the 2018 semi-final. Despite his concerns, Ferdinand still expects Thomas Tuchel’s team to progress, though he wished for a “little bit easier” start.