The two favorites are through but did so in rather tame and/or unspectacular fashion and will be joined by the Black Stars of Ghana in the knockout rounds.

CROATIA 2, GHANA 1

Petar Sucic got this one started with a long range blast just after the half hour mark, beating Benjamin Asare from close to thirty yards out with a low strike into the far corner as no one closed down the Inter man in the middle of the field.

That goal seemed like it might be enough for Croatia, who pretty much allowed Ghana to control the bulk of the game right up until Derrick Luckassen's equalizer off a free kick in the 73rd minute as Ernest Naumah dropped in perfect ball onto the top of the six for his centerback to tuck home on the volley.

Croatia would then decide to push for their winner and would not have to wait long as ten minutes later Mario Pasalic fresh off the bench unleashed a rocket that Asare had to send over his bar. The ensuing corner from Luka Modric found the head of Nikola Vlasic and his downward strike kissed off the back post and in to restore Croatia's lead and saw them second to the group.

A curious statistical game with not a whole lot of offense from either team, especially from Croatia who needed a result in this one to secure their place in the knockouts. 4-for-8 shooting and not even half an expected goal for the Croats while Ghana faired slightly better on their 1-for-6 display but almost all of their xG was generated on Luckassen's beauty.

ENGLAND 2, PANAMA 0

A stout Panamanian defense was strong in the opening half, but eventually could not hold back constant pressure from England conceding twice in the final half hour and Los Canaleros became the only team at the 2026 World Cup to not score a goal.

Jude Bellingham volleyed home a corner just after the hour mark and Harry Kane headed home five minutes later to see England through as group winners.

Not much else to talk about here besides a decent amount of heroics from Orlando Mosquera in the Panama goal with four saves. Los Canaleros might be the best 0-3 team every at the World Cup with a GD of -4 having only allowed a goal each to Ghana and Croatia in their previous matches.

GROUP OVERVIEW

So as we wrap up group play we still haven't learned anything new. England still struggles against a low block, Croatia don't look as threatening as they used to be, and Ghana is still a lively third place team.

A lot of good soccer was played in this group but I can't shake the feeling that I am also underwhelmed and/or disappointed that England and Croatia can play a lot better. Credit to Ghana and Panama for being really solid defensively but there are questions for the favorites to answer in the next round.

England will play DR Congo on July 1st, Croatia will matchup with Portugal in a fantastic all-second place finishers matchup on July 2nd, while Ghana gets Colombia on July 3rd.

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