Thomas Tuchel’s England will face a stern African test against Ghana in the 2026 World Cup group stages, a draw that promises fireworks for the millions of Premier League enthusiasts across Kenya watching the global showpiece.

The expanded 48-team tournament, set to dominate screens from June 11 to July 19, 2026, has delivered a mix of nostalgia and fresh challenges. While the Three Lions begin their campaign against familiar foes Croatia, it is the looming fixture against the Black Stars of Ghana in Group L that will likely capture the imagination of the continent.

The Black Stars vs. The Three Lions

England’s path through Group L is far from a formality. Tuchel’s side will open their tournament on Wednesday, June 17, in either Dallas or Toronto. Following the opener against Croatia—a team that has historically troubled England—they will face Ghana on Tuesday, June 23.

For Kenyan viewers, this fixture resurrects memories of Ghana’s heroic and heartbreaking past World Cup performances. The group concludes with a match against Panama on Saturday, June 27. The logistics of the tournament, hosted across Canada, Mexico, and the United States, mean travel fatigue could play a significant role in team performance.

Scotland’s Return and the Atlas Lions

Ending a 28-year exile from the men’s World Cup, Scotland has been handed a glamour tie against five-time champions Brazil in Group C. However, the group dynamics are heavily influenced by North African giants Morocco.

The Atlas Lions, who made history by reaching the semi-finals in Qatar, will be looking to assert dominance over the Scots. Scotland’s campaign begins against Haiti on Saturday, June 13, in Boston or New York, before they navigate the treacherous waters of facing Morocco and Brazil.

The Wider African Context

The draw has outlined potential pathways for other African nations, contingent on qualification rounds. The Republic of Ireland, should they qualify, could find themselves in a group featuring South Africa’s Bafana Bafana, alongside Mexico and South Korea. Meanwhile, Group B awaits the winner of the play-offs involving Wales or Northern Ireland, who would join Canada, Qatar, and Switzerland.

Key dates for the diary include:

• June 11, 2026: Tournament kicks off in Mexico City.
• June 13, 2026: Scotland vs. Haiti (Boston/New York).
• June 17, 2026: England vs. Croatia (Dallas/Toronto).
• July 19, 2026: The World Cup Final.

While the groups are set, the precise venues and kick-off times remain a developing story. FIFA is scheduled to confirm the exact location and timing for each match in a separate draw on Saturday at 20:00 EAT (17:00 GMT), allowing fans in Nairobi to finally plan their viewing schedules with certainty.