World Cup 2026: Ghana and England meet for first competitive clash, both on 3 points

Queiroz targets England’s flaws after Kane scare

Group L tightens at the World Cup as Ghana face England. A win sends either through to the last 32 with a game to spare, with Kane one goal from history.

‘We’ve got 33 million lions’ days Carlos Queiroz as he rallies Ghana ahead of England clash...

Black Stars boss Carlos Queiroz shrugged off England’s status as favourites, his 6-2 defeat to them with Iran in 2022, and four decades of history between the sides. Speaking to reporters in Foxboro, he said Ghana will land on Tuesday with “33 million lions” behind them.

Queiroz walked into the Boston Stadium press room Monday afternoon looking relaxed and clearly enjoying the build-up.

“We have a great match in front of us. This is what we are looking for all our lives, to be in the right environment and at the right time and to play against the best players in the world.”

Group L is already tight. Ghana and England both sit on 3 points at Foxboro, split only by goal difference after matchday one on Wednesday.

Tuchel’s England cruised to a 4-2 win over Croatia in Dallas, while Ghana edged Panama 1-0 in Toronto thanks to Caleb Yirenkyi’s 95th-minute winner.

If either side wins Tuesday, they’re basically through to the last 32 with a game to spare. It would also go a long way to deciding who finishes top of Group L.

“This is simple. We are in this competition for points. It is to get the points in order to qualify. That is the most important thing for us.”

Strangely, Tuesday’s game will only be the second time these two have met at senior level. 

Their only other clash was a 1-1 friendly at Wembley back in March 2011. Andy Carroll put England ahead just before half-time, then Asamoah Gyan snatched an equaliser in the 90th minute in front of 80,000 fans.

Foxboro on Tuesday will be the first competitive clash between the Black Stars and Three Lions. Queiroz wouldn’t let that Wembley friendly or his tougher history vs England shape the narrative.

The Portuguese coach suffered his worst World Cup defeat in Qatar 2022, when Iran lost 6-2 to England in their group opener. Pressed on it Monday, he just smiled and brushed it off.

“In football, four years is like a century, so I don't even remember where that was. I was not defeated. In football, we never lose. We win or we learn. We learned a couple of lessons that day.”

But behind the philosophy, there was a sharper message.

“The reputations and prestige of results in the past are significant when they are written in the press, but they cannot win games. Memories don't win games, so tomorrow will be another story.”

England do have the recent record to back up the hype. They haven’t lost in 8 World Cup games against African teams - 5 wins, 3 draws.

Harry Kane is also one goal away from overtaking Gary Lineker as England’s top scorer at World Cups.

But Tuchel’s side shipped 2 goals to Croatia on opening day and looked exposed more than once. Queiroz says he’s broken down their full match and thinks he’s spotted weaknesses Ghana can exploit.

“This is the easiest type of match, because when you're about to play against England, France or Germany, you don't need to say anything to the players. They're fully motivated. What we have to do in this type of game is to try and moderate the enthusiasm, but mainly we need to do work together.

“This is the most important thing tomorrow. Whatever happens, we need to stick together and fight together over 90 full minutes.

“We know England have their strong points but we have our own qualities. We need to be in the game for 90 minutes at full throttle,” he added.

On team news, Ghana should get their most important midfielder back. Thomas Partey missed the Panama opener after being denied entry into Canada, but he’s trained fully in Smithfield since the squad returned to the US and looks set to start.

The other big decision is in goal. Lawrence Ati-Zigi picked up a groin injury vs Panama and has been racing to be fit. Queiroz said he’ll make the final call after Monday’s training, with Benjamin Asare ready to step in for his first World Cup start if needed.

Queiroz finished with exactly the kind of message Ghana’s players - and fans waiting on kickoff - wanted to hear.

“Trust me, huge entertainment on the pitch. We belong to the entertainment business. We are going to fight, play and enjoy. I guarantee you the match will be in the memories and hearts of people when it finishes.”