Thomas Tuchel is “confident” about England‘s 2026 World Cup chances despite being drawn into a “difficult group” alongside Croatia, Ghana and Panama for the tournament in North America next summer.
England learned their opponents in the draw in Washington D.C on Friday led by former defender Rio Ferdinand who was alongside Tom Brady, Shaquille O’Neal and Wayne Gretzky.
Tuchel’s side will face off against the side that knocked them out of the 2018 World Cup semifinals in Croatia, Panama, who they beat 6-1 in the group stage in that tournament and are set for a first ever World Cup meeting with Ghana.
“Difficult group, difficult opener. Difficult group with Croatia and Ghana, two regulars in World Cups and two proud and strong nations,” Tuchel said after the draw.
“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.
“It always seems difficult like our group now but we are confident and we will be well prepared when we arrive.”
One positive for England though, is that their opening game is scheduled slightly later — they open six days after the tournament begins against Croatia on June 17, a side Tuchel admitted they can’t afford to underestimate.
“We didn’t desire anything we just handled the situation as it is. You get a little more days before and then you get a condensed schedule later in the tournament,” Tuchel said.
– England WC draw: How difficult is Group L and what’s the route to the final?
– England WC draw: When, where are the games? How to watch, get tickets
– England World Cup quiz: How well do you know the Three Lions?
“We know now our opponents, we know we will start late in the tournament if players are involved in European finals, hopefully.
“Nobody should be underestimated. Of course, Croatia is the standout, they’re the highest ranked team from pot two that we got into out group but listen, Ghana is always full of talent and can always surprise and has a big history in World Cup football.
“And also Panama will try to make the most in their underdog role. No one can be underestimated, everyone deserves the fullest respect and we can show that.”
