England vs Ghana prediction.England and Ghana — both Match Day 1 winners — meet at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough on Tuesday, 24 June 2026 (22:00 SAST (Tuesday, 24 June 2026)). Kane’s brace equalled Lineker’s England World Cup scoring record; Ghana won 1-0 in the 95th minute against Panama. The winner all but secures Group L qualification. Our prediction: over 1.5 goals.Full analysis, team news and all markets on SportPesa.
Match details
| Field | Detail |
| Competition | 2026 FIFA World Cup — Group L, Match Day 2 |
| Date & kick-off | Tuesday, 24 June 2026 at 22:00 SAST (Tuesday, 24 June 2026) |
| Venue | Gillette Stadium, Foxborough (Boston area), Massachusetts, USA |
| Group L standings | After Match Day 1: England 3pts, Ghana 3pts, Croatia 0pts, Panama 0pts |
| Stakes | Winner all but secures Round of 32 qualification with one game to spare |
| Where to watch | DSTV/GOTV |
Kane’s record pursuit vs Ghana’s quarter-final ambitions
England’s 4-2 win over Croatia was one of the match days’ most emphatic results. Harry Kane scored twice from the penalty spot and in open play — equalling Gary Lineker’s record of six goals for England at a World Cup. He needs just one more to become England’s outright all-time leading scorer at the tournament. Jude Bellingham scored the third and substitute Marcus Rashford sealed it in the 85th minute. Thomas Tuchel is not expected to make many changes, with Bukayo Saka expected to return to the starting XI ahead of Noni Madueke on the right wing.
For England, the motivation is clear: win here and qualification is all but secure heading into the final group game. The narrative of the group also carries extra weight for Kane personally — breaking Lineker’s record in a World Cup with another goal would be one of the tournament’s defining individual moments.
Ghana’s 1-0 win over Panama was built on patience and a devastating 95th-minute moment. Caleb Yirenkyi’s goal from a Brandon Thomas-Asante cross ended a run that had seen the Black Stars go five games without a win heading into the tournament. The confidence from that win — and from reaching the knockout stage of this tournament for the first time since 2010 — will carry into this match.
Ghana’s attack centres on Antoine Semenyo (Manchester City) and captain Jordan Ayew. Mohammed Kudus provides creativity from midfield. Yirenkyi retains his place after the match-winning contribution against Panama.
Team news and expected line-ups
England: Minimal changes expected. Saka back in on the right. Kane leads. Bellingham at number 10. Rice and Anderson in midfield double pivot.
Ghana: No changes expected. Ayew captains. Semenyo and Nuamah up front. Yirenkyi retains his place. Thomas Partey: confirm availability before publish (was OUT visa issues in Match Day 1 — article does not mention him).
Predicted XIs below are based on the KE source article. Update once confirmed XIs released before kick-off. URGENT: confirm Partey status for Ghana.
| England (4-2-3-1) | Ghana (4-4-2) |
| Pickford (GK) | Mensah (GK) |
| James (RB) | Lamptey (RB) |
| Stones (CB) | Amartey (CB) |
| Konsa (CB) | Salisu (CB) |
| O’Reilly (LB) | Dodoo (LB) |
| Anderson (DM) | Yirenkyi (DM) |
| Rice (DM) | Samed (DM) |
| Saka (RW) | Kudus (RM) |
| Bellingham (AM) | Ayew (AM) |
| Gordon (LM) | Semenyo (LM) |
| Kane (ST) | Nuamah (ST) |
Key stats
- England: beat Croatia 4-2 in their Group L opener. Kane brace, Bellingham, Rashford scored.
- Harry Kane: equalled Gary Lineker’s England World Cup scoring record of six goals. One more = outright record.
- England: seeking a fourth consecutive win. Scored 8 goals in their last 5 matches.
- Bukayo Saka: expected to start after returning from fitness issues. Replaces Madueke.
- Jude Bellingham: scored vs Croatia. England’s key attacking midfielder.
- Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson: midfield double pivot expected to retain partnership.
- Ghana: beat Panama 1-0 in their Group L opener via a 95th-minute Yirenkyi goal.
- Ghana: ended a 5-game winless run with the Panama victory.
- Caleb Yirenkyi: match winner vs Panama. Expected to retain place.
- Antoine Semenyo (Manchester City) and Jordan Ayew (Leicester City): Ghana’s attacking core.
- Thomas Partey (Arsenal): Ghana’s team primary defensive midfielder (or “holding midfielder”).
- H2H: England 1-1 Ghana (29 March 2011, friendly). Only previous meeting.
- Group L standings (after Match Day 1): England 3pts, Ghana 3pts, Croatia 0pts, Panama 0pts.
Head-to-head
England and Ghana have met only once previously: a 1-1 draw in an international friendly on 29 March 2011. That is the extent of the head-to-head record. This World Cup Group L match is their first ever competitive encounter.
| Date | Result |
| 29 March 2011 | England 1–1 Ghana (International Friendly) |
Current form
| Team | Last 5 (inc. WC opener) |
| England | W W W L D — scoring in every game, 8 goals in last 5 |
| Ghana | W D L L L — snapped a 5-game winless run with Panama win |
Our prediction
England are the clear favourites based on squad quality and form. Kane’s record pursuit adds individual motivation to a team that is already on the better run. Bellingham, Saka, Gordon, and Rashford from the bench give Tuchel’s side the depth to create multiple goalscoring opportunities.
Ghana should not be underestimated. Their momentum from the Panama win and the quality of Semenyo and Ayew in attack give them the tools to score. Their 2010 quarter-final remains the ambition, and they will not be passive opponents. Both sides have scored in each of their last five matches in all competitions.
An England win with goals at both ends is the most defensible outcome given the attacking quality on both sides and the motivation of both teams.
Our prediction: over 1.5 goals.
Odds and markets
Odds correct at 2200Hrs UTC on 23/06/2026.
How to bet on SportPesa
- Open the England vs Ghana event page on SportPesa (link above).
- Choose your market — Single Bet (SB), Multi-Bet (MB), or Live Bet (LB) once the match starts.
- Enter your stake and place your bet.
Frequently asked questions
What time does England vs Ghana kick off?
Kick-off is at 22:00 SAST (Tuesday, 24 June 2026) on Tuesday, 24 June 2026, at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough (Boston area), Massachusetts, USA.
What happened in England’s first match at World Cup 2026?
England beat Croatia 4-2 in their Group L opener. Harry Kane scored twice — equalling Gary Lineker’s record of six World Cup goals for England. Jude Bellingham and substitute Marcus Rashford also scored.
What happened in Ghana’s first match at World Cup 2026?
Ghana beat Panama 1-0 via a 95th-minute goal from Caleb Yirenkyi, created by Brandon Thomas-Asante’s cross. It ended a five-game winless run for the Black Stars heading into the tournament.
What is the England vs Ghana head-to-head record?
England and Ghana have met only once: a 1-1 draw in an international friendly on 29 March 2011. This World Cup Group L match is their first ever competitive encounter.
What group are England and Ghana in at World Cup 2026?
Both sides are in Group L alongside Croatia and Panama. After Match Day 1, England and Ghana are both on three points.
Can Harry Kane break Gary Lineker’s England World Cup scoring record?
Yes. Kane equalled Lineker’s record of six England World Cup goals against Croatia. If he scores against Ghana, he will become England’s outright leading scorer at the World Cup, surpassing a record that has stood since 1990.
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