Thomas Tuchel has warned England against complacency at the 2026 FIFA World Cup having been drawn against Croatia, Ghana and Panama in group L.
In the draws conducted on Friday in the United States, the 1966 champions were handed a favorable draw and will be favorites to progress as group winners to the next round.
Tuchel’s side enjoyed a remarkable qualifying campaign, as they won every of their eight matches, scoring 22 goals and conceding none.
Speaking after the draw was made, the former Chelsea manager who took charge of the team earlier this year, warned his team against underestimating any opponent.
“Difficult group, difficult opener, difficult group with Croatia and Ghana, two regulars in World Cups and two proud and strong nations”, the German admitted.
“Panama, I don’t know much about Panama at the moment but we will find out about it before the tournament starts, of course.
“For me, I’m only experienced group football in Champions League formats and the way to approach it was to always give it the biggest respect and to put all the focus into winning the group”, he continued.
“It always seems difficult like our group now but we are confident and we will be well prepared when we arrive.”
England will begin their campaign against Croatia in a repeat of the 2018 semifinals, but will find out the venues and kickoff times for their fixtures later on Saturday.
2026 FIFA World Cup draws in full:
Group A: Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, Winner of Uefa play-off D*
Group B: Canada, Winner of Uefa play-off A*, Qatar, Switzerland
Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti,Scotland
Group D: USA, Paraguay, Australia, Winner of Uefa play-off C*
Group E: Germany, Curacao, Ivory Coast, Ecuador
Group F: Netherlands, Japan, Winner of Uefa play-off B*, Tunisia
Group G: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand
Group H: Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay
Group I: France, Senegal, Winner of Fifa play-off 2*, Norway
Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan
Group K: Portugal, Winner of Fifa play-off 1*, Uzbekistan, Colombia
Group L:England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama.
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