Otto Addo says England is Group L Favourites, Urges Black Stars to Stay Focused
Ghana coach Otto Addo says England are the clear favourites to top Group L at the 2026 FIFA World Cup but insists the Black Stars will approach every match with equal intensity and respect.
Ghana were drawn against England, Croatia and Panama in Friday’s official World Cup draw held at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. The grouping places the Black Stars in a competitively balanced pool featuring two former semi-finalists and a resurgent Panamanian side.
England reached the semi-finals of the 2018 tournament in Russia and remain one of the world’s most consistent performers on the global stage. Croatia, runners-up in 2018 and semi-finalists again in Qatar in 2022, also bring vast experience and a refined tactical identity. Panama, meanwhile, will be making only their second World Cup appearance but have shown notable improvement in recent CONCACAF competitions.
Speaking to the GFA’s official website, Otto Addo stressed the importance of maintaining full concentration and avoiding complacency in what he described as a “special” and demanding group.
“I look forward to every game as special. It is very important for us that we do not underrate any team. For sure, England is the favourite in that group, but for me as a coach, I am looking at each and every game equally,” he said.
Ghana will begin their campaign against Panama on Wednesday, 17 June, a fixture many analysts believe could set the tone for the team’s tournament. The Black Stars will then face England on 23 June before rounding off their group-stage matches against Croatia on 27 June.
The national team enters the competition seeking to correct recent World Cup disappointments. Ghana have exited at the group stage in their last two appearances Brazil 2014 and Qatar 2022, and will be eager to reclaim the fighting spirit that carried them to the quarterfinals in 2010.
Football analysts say the blend of England’s pedigree, Croatia’s experience and Panama’s hunger presents a stern test, but one that could also offer Ghana a platform to surprise. For Otto Addo, the priority is preparation, discipline and a mindset that treats every opponent as a potential hurdle to be cleared.
As the countdown to June 2026 begins, the Black Stars face a challenging path but remain determined to make a meaningful impact on the world stage.
