Match events
- 41'Declan Rice
- 60'Iñaki Williams
- 65'Anthony Gordon ↓ / Bukayo Saka ↑
- 66'Djed Spence ↓ / Nico O'Reilly ↑
- 66'Iñaki Williams ↓ / Abdul Fatawu ↑
- 67'Jordan Ayew ↓ / Prince Adu ↑
- 73'Jude Bellingham ↓ / Morgan Rogers ↑
- 74'Elliot Anderson ↓ / Eberechi Eze ↑
- 83'Noni Madueke ↓ / Marcus Rashford ↑
- 87'Marvin Senaya ↓ / Kojo Peprah Oppong ↑
- 95'Prince Adu ↓ / Baba Rahman ↑
Group Stage · Group L · Tue, Jun 23 · 4:00 pm Boston · Gillette Stadium, Boston

Ghana Frustrate Dominant England to Claim Precious World Cup Point
Key moments
- ▸41': Declan Rice is cautioned after a tactical foul to halt a rare Ghanaian counter-attack.
- ▸60': Iñaki Williams receives a yellow card for a heavy challenge before being subbed off shortly after.
- ▸73': Jude Bellingham is introduced by Thomas Tuchel in a desperate bid to unlock the Black Stars' defense.

England dominated possession but lacked the clinical edge required to dismantle a resolute Ghana side, playing out a frustrating 0-0 draw in their second Group L match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Thomas Tuchel's men controlled an astonishing 78.8% of the ball, setting an unwanted World Cup record for the highest possession without scoring. The stalemate echoed England’s previous major tournament struggles in second group stage games, leaving the Three Lions to search for answers against a highly disciplined and compact opponent.
The match was a tactical battle of patience versus resistance. Ghana sat deep in a compact block and dared England to break them down. In the first half, England's frustration was evident when midfielder Declan Rice was booked in the 41st minute to halt a potential breakaway. After the break, the physical nature of the contest escalated, culminating in a yellow card for Ghana’s Iñaki Williams on the hour mark. Both managers then turned to their benches in an attempt to swing the momentum.
Tuchel introduced Anthony Gordon and Jude Bellingham to inject pace and creative spark into the final third, while Ghana responded by bringing on the experienced Jordan Ayew and fresh defensive legs in Marvin Senaya. Despite a late flurry of pressure, England's stars could not find the definitive final pass, and the Black Stars' backline remained impenetrable. The point leaves both teams tied at the top of Group L with four points each, putting both in strong positions to qualify but leaving England with plenty of homework ahead of their final group stage fixture.
Player ratings
England · Kept things simple from the base of midfield and was England's bright spot in a quiet first half.
England · Battled hard in midfield but his 41st-minute booking limited his defensive aggression.
Ghana · Worked tirelessly upfront to disrupt England's rhythm before being booked and replaced.
England · Came on in the 73rd minute but struggled to pierce through Ghana's deep defensive block.
England · Withdrawn in the 66th minute after a physical shift trying to stretch the play on the flank.
Ghana · Brought on in the 67th minute, offering essential work-rate and experience to preserve the clean sheet.
Updated 7 times during the match
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England and Ghana Battle for Early World Cup Knockout Qualification

- ▸England lead Group L on goal difference following a 4-2 opening-match victory over Croatia.
- ▸Ghana won their opener 1-0 against Panama thanks to a 95th-minute goal from Caleb Yirenkyi.
- ▸Bukayo Saka is a major starting doubt for England as he continues to manage an Achilles injury.
- ▸Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi is expected to miss out due to injury, with Benjamin Asare likely to step in.
Both England and Ghana head into their Group L Matchday 2 clash at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough on the back of opening-round victories. Thomas Tuchel's England currently lead the group on goal difference following a high-scoring 4-2 triumph over Croatia, where captain Harry Kane netted twice alongside goals from Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford. Ghana, managed by Carlos Queiroz, sit close behind after securing a gritty 1-0 win against Panama courtesy of a dramatic 95th-minute goal by Caleb Yirenkyi. With three points already in the bag for both nations, a win for either side on Tuesday would guarantee a place in the World Cup knockout rounds with a game to spare.
Tactically, England will look to maintain the offensive fluidity they showed against Croatia, though defensive fragility remains a concern after conceding twice. Thomas Tuchel has a couple of selection dilemmas; Bukayo Saka is highly unlikely to start after training individually due to a persistent Achilles issue, which means Noni Madueke should keep his spot on the right wing. Declan Rice and Marcus Rashford both trained on Saturday and are expected to be available despite minor hamstring worries. For Ghana, veteran forward Jordan Ayew will look to replicate his high-intensity pressing from the opening match, while Thomas Partey is expected to return to the midfield after missing the opener in Canada. However, the Black Stars face a major setback in goal, as regular number one Lawrence Ati Zigi is nursing an injury, meaning local-based goalkeeper Benjamin Asare is predicted to start.
### Prediction England are expected to dominate possession and exploit Ghana's potential vulnerability in goal, especially with Harry Kane in clinical form up front. While Carlos Queiroz's side will undoubtedly set up a physical, high-pressing block, England's superior depth and attacking variety should see them break through. Expect a hard-fought contest where England's clinical edge eventually secures a comfortable victory to book their spot in the Round of 32.
Starting XI (pre-match projection)
Recent form · last 4
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Pre-match win probability
Model estimate from confederation strength + home edge, before confirmed lineups. Editorial projection — not betting advice.
Key players
🏴England
- Declan RiceCM · #41
- Elliot AndersonCM
- Eberechi EzeCM · #10
🇬🇭Ghana
- Augustine BoakyeCM · #20
- Caleb YirenkyiCM · #36
- Elisha OwusuCM · #42
England squad watch
Official sourcesEngland squad watch
Latest squad coverage, roster movement, and selection context for this team.
Source: NBC Sports squad tracker, cross-checked against FIFA squad-announcement hub · May 26, 12:00 AM UTC
Ghana squad watch
Official sourcesGhana squad watch
The final squad is still pending. The latest squad hub is linked for call-ups, cuts, and late injury movement.
Source: FIFA squad hub · May 26, 12:00 AM UTC
England roster
Final squad - 9/26
Ghana roster
Squad watch - 26