World Cup 2026: Tuchel: ‘Ghana can surprise’

England coach Thomas Tuchel has reacted to being drawn in the same group as Ghana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals.

The global football showpiece will take place in Mexico, Canada and the United States.

The draw took place in Washington DC on Friday when the Black Stars found themselves in Group L alongside the Three Lions, Croatia and Panama.

Tuchel, who witnessed the event at the John F. Kennedy Centre for Performing Arts, analysed each opposition, including the African giants.

The former Chelsea FC manager described Ghana as a force to be reckoned with, citing their talent and vast FIFA World Cup experience.

“We have Croatia and Ghana—two regulars in World Cups—and we have Panama. I don’t know much about Panama, but we will know everything about them when the tournament starts,” the German told the England FA website.

What Tuchel said about Ghana

“Ghana is always full of talent and can always surprise and has a big history in World Cup football. Also, Panama will try to make the most in the underdog role. No one can be underestimated—everyone deserves the fullest respect, and we will show that.”

The former Paris Saint-Germain boss also shared insights on why it was important to negotiate their way past the group stage carefully.

“For me personally, even in the Champions League, you have to focus on the group—the group is always the most difficult, and we want to escape, and we want to win the group. It’s a tough one,” the manager added.

England will kick-start their World Cup campaign against Croatia.