Tuchel Optimistic England 2026 World Cup Group L Champion

England are in Group L with Panama, Croatia and Ghana. (Photo: FIFA)

JAKARTA - England national team coach Thomas Tuchel is optimistic that his team can win Group L of the 2026 World Cup, which is also filled by Panama, Croatia and Ghana.

"We want to qualify and win the group even though it's a tough group," Tuchel was quoted as saying on the official website of the England national team on Saturday.

He stressed that Britain would not underestimate all competitors in the group including Panama, which has only appeared in the World Cup twice since debuting in 2018.

Moreover, there is also Croatia, the team currently ranked 10th in FIFA. England will face Croatia in the group's opening match.

"No one should be underestimated. Of course Croatia is the most prominent name and the highest-ranked team from Pot 2 has entered our group. The opening match will be difficult, but we have to move from there," said Tuchel.

Reporting from ANTARA, Saturday, December 6, the 52-year-old tactician added that two other countries, Ghana and Panama, will become a dark horse team that can surprise all football fans.

Therefore, he said that all his opponents in the group stage deserved respect and were not underestimated.

"Ghana is always full of talent and can always give surprises, and has great history in the World Cup. Panama will also try to maximize their role as a dark horse team. No one can be underestimated, everyone deserves full respect and we will show that," said Tuchel.