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2 winners, 2 losers from WNBA opening weekend (so far) We’re less than 24 hours into the WNBA season, and only 6 of the league’s 15 teams have made their season debuts. Still, let’s take a look at some way-too-early winners and losers from the first couple of games of the 2025-2026 WNBA season.Winner: Sonia Citron, Washington MysticsSonia Citron had a spectacular rookie season, and she started her sophomore year right where she left off. Citron was dominant in the Mystics’ 68-65 win over the Toronto Tempo on Friday night, posting a game-high 26 points on 9-12 FG and 3-6 from three. She also racked up 2 steals and 2 blocks, continuing to show signs of being one of the WNBA’s elite two-way guards.Washington Mystics head coach Sydney Johnson praised Citron’s performance.“Her normal is a lot of other people’s great,” he said. Winner: Kaitlyn Chen, Golden State ValkyriesKaitlyn Chen was a third-round draft pick in 2025 and was cut by the Valkyries in the middle of her rookie season. But she had a tremendous offseason, made Golden State’s opening night roster, and looked tremendous in the season debut, tallying 14 points on 5-10 shooting, 2 assists, and 0 turnovers off the bench in a 91-80 win over the Seattle Storm.After the game, Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase credited Chen for her offseason work.“She’s been working,” Nakase said. “That’s credit to her in the offseason, right? Just putting in extra time. She came, you know, to the bay for a couple of weeks too, to work on her game after she went overseas.”“Just her ability to score on all three levels, that’s basically what she did. And I mean, you saw her playing AU. She just took over the games. It was really nice to kind of see that carry over.”Loser: The 2026 rookie classIt’s extremely early, but the 2026 WNBA draftees look like they’re going to need a little bit more time. So far, only one rookie has scored double-digit points: Seattle Storm guard Flau’jae Johnson, who tallied 12 points on 25% shooting in Friday night’s loss to the Golden State Valkyries.No. 1 pick Azzi Fudd came off the bench for the Dallas Wings and scored 3 points on 1-2 shooting in 18 minutes. No. 2 pick Awa Fam is still overseas, and No. 4 pick Lauren Betts went scoreless in her Mystics debut.It’s early, and the rookies made their impact in other ways, but the first 24 hours of the WNBA season did not do anything to dispel the notion that the 2026 draft class is mostly filled with future role players.Loser: The Connecticut SunThe Sun were absolutely crushed by the New York Liberty on opening night. They led 36-13 after the first quarter, and never let go of the rope, ultimately winning 106-75. The Liberty are one of the WNBA’s most loaded teams, and the Sun are in the midst of a rebuild, but it was not the start to the season that Connecticut was hoping for.Only three players scored in double-figures: Diamond Miller (16 points), Aneesah Morrow (15 points), and Brittney Griner (13 points). As a collective, Connecticut shot 39% from the field, 18% from three, and 47% from the three-point line.Facing the Liberty on opening night is a tough way to start, and the Sun were without Leila Lacan, who was one of their best players last season. Still, it was not an optimal start to their last-ever season in Connecticut. #winners #losers #WNBA #opening #weekend

2 winners, 2 losers from WNBA opening weekend (so far)

We’re less than 24 hours into the WNBA season, and only 6 of the league’s 15 teams have made their season debuts. Still, let’s take a look at some way-too-early winners and losers from the first couple of games of the 2025-2026 WNBA season.

Winner: Sonia Citron, Washington Mystics

Sonia Citron had a spectacular rookie season, and she started her sophomore year right where she left off. Citron was dominant in the Mystics’ 68-65 win over the Toronto Tempo on Friday night, posting a game-high 26 points on 9-12 FG and 3-6 from three. She also racked up 2 steals and 2 blocks, continuing to show signs of being one of the WNBA’s elite two-way guards.

Washington Mystics head coach Sydney Johnson praised Citron’s performance.

“Her normal is a lot of other people’s great,” he said.

Winner: Kaitlyn Chen, Golden State Valkyries

Kaitlyn Chen was a third-round draft pick in 2025 and was cut by the Valkyries in the middle of her rookie season. But she had a tremendous offseason, made Golden State’s opening night roster, and looked tremendous in the season debut, tallying 14 points on 5-10 shooting, 2 assists, and 0 turnovers off the bench in a 91-80 win over the Seattle Storm.

After the game, Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase credited Chen for her offseason work.

“She’s been working,” Nakase said. “That’s credit to her in the offseason, right? Just putting in extra time. She came, you know, to the bay for a couple of weeks too, to work on her game after she went overseas.”

“Just her ability to score on all three levels, that’s basically what she did. And I mean, you saw her playing AU. She just took over the games. It was really nice to kind of see that carry over.”

Loser: The 2026 rookie class

It’s extremely early, but the 2026 WNBA draftees look like they’re going to need a little bit more time. So far, only one rookie has scored double-digit points: Seattle Storm guard Flau’jae Johnson, who tallied 12 points on 25% shooting in Friday night’s loss to the Golden State Valkyries.

No. 1 pick Azzi Fudd came off the bench for the Dallas Wings and scored 3 points on 1-2 shooting in 18 minutes. No. 2 pick Awa Fam is still overseas, and No. 4 pick Lauren Betts went scoreless in her Mystics debut.

It’s early, and the rookies made their impact in other ways, but the first 24 hours of the WNBA season did not do anything to dispel the notion that the 2026 draft class is mostly filled with future role players.

Loser: The Connecticut Sun

The Sun were absolutely crushed by the New York Liberty on opening night. They led 36-13 after the first quarter, and never let go of the rope, ultimately winning 106-75. The Liberty are one of the WNBA’s most loaded teams, and the Sun are in the midst of a rebuild, but it was not the start to the season that Connecticut was hoping for.

Only three players scored in double-figures: Diamond Miller (16 points), Aneesah Morrow (15 points), and Brittney Griner (13 points). As a collective, Connecticut shot 39% from the field, 18% from three, and 47% from the three-point line.

Facing the Liberty on opening night is a tough way to start, and the Sun were without Leila Lacan, who was one of their best players last season. Still, it was not an optimal start to their last-ever season in Connecticut.

#winners #losers #WNBA #opening #weekend

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We’re less than 24 hours into the WNBA season, and only 6 of the league’s 15 teams have made their season debuts. Still, let’s take a look at some way-too-early winners and losers from the first couple of games of the 2025-2026 WNBA season.

Winner: Sonia Citron, Washington Mystics

Sonia Citron had a spectacular rookie season, and she started her sophomore year right where she left off. Citron was dominant in the Mystics’ 68-65 win over the Toronto Tempo on Friday night, posting a game-high 26 points on 9-12 FG and 3-6 from three. She also racked up 2 steals and 2 blocks, continuing to show signs of being one of the WNBA’s elite two-way guards.

Washington Mystics head coach Sydney Johnson praised Citron’s performance.

“Her normal is a lot of other people’s great,” he said.

Winner: Kaitlyn Chen, Golden State Valkyries

Kaitlyn Chen was a third-round draft pick in 2025 and was cut by the Valkyries in the middle of her rookie season. But she had a tremendous offseason, made Golden State’s opening night roster, and looked tremendous in the season debut, tallying 14 points on 5-10 shooting, 2 assists, and 0 turnovers off the bench in a 91-80 win over the Seattle Storm.

After the game, Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase credited Chen for her offseason work.

“She’s been working,” Nakase said. “That’s credit to her in the offseason, right? Just putting in extra time. She came, you know, to the bay for a couple of weeks too, to work on her game after she went overseas.”

“Just her ability to score on all three levels, that’s basically what she did. And I mean, you saw her playing AU. She just took over the games. It was really nice to kind of see that carry over.”

Loser: The 2026 rookie class

It’s extremely early, but the 2026 WNBA draftees look like they’re going to need a little bit more time. So far, only one rookie has scored double-digit points: Seattle Storm guard Flau’jae Johnson, who tallied 12 points on 25% shooting in Friday night’s loss to the Golden State Valkyries.

No. 1 pick Azzi Fudd came off the bench for the Dallas Wings and scored 3 points on 1-2 shooting in 18 minutes. No. 2 pick Awa Fam is still overseas, and No. 4 pick Lauren Betts went scoreless in her Mystics debut.

It’s early, and the rookies made their impact in other ways, but the first 24 hours of the WNBA season did not do anything to dispel the notion that the 2026 draft class is mostly filled with future role players.

Loser: The Connecticut Sun

The Sun were absolutely crushed by the New York Liberty on opening night. They led 36-13 after the first quarter, and never let go of the rope, ultimately winning 106-75. The Liberty are one of the WNBA’s most loaded teams, and the Sun are in the midst of a rebuild, but it was not the start to the season that Connecticut was hoping for.

Only three players scored in double-figures: Diamond Miller (16 points), Aneesah Morrow (15 points), and Brittney Griner (13 points). As a collective, Connecticut shot 39% from the field, 18% from three, and 47% from the three-point line.

Facing the Liberty on opening night is a tough way to start, and the Sun were without Leila Lacan, who was one of their best players last season. Still, it was not an optimal start to their last-ever season in Connecticut.

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England midfielder Jude Bellingham was not given a red card despite appearing to cover his mouth while speaking to Jordan Ayew against Ghana on June 23.

Bellingham’s actions triggered some confusion about why he was not given a red card despite the new FIFA guidelines stipulating that players can be sent off for such an action.

Paraguay’s Miguel Almiron was the first player to fall foul of the rule, earning a red card against Turkiye for covering his mouth in a confrontation for covering his mouth while talking to Mert Mulder upon VAR review.

However, Bellingham was not given a red card as his interaction with Ayew was not a confrontation but a friendly conversation. The criteria for a red card requires the player to have covered their mouth in a confrontation specifically, differentiating the Almiron incident from the Bellingham one.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino pushed for the new rule after Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni tried to hide verbal insults toward Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior in a Champions League game.

The rule was worded: A player who covers their mouth with their hand, arm or shirt in confrontational situations will receive a red card. However, players who cover their mouths while having friendly conversations with club teammates on opposing teams, for example, will ‌not be punished.

Published on Jun 24, 2026

#Jude #Bellingham #covering #mouth #Ghana">Why was Jude Bellingham not sent off for covering his mouth against Ghana? England midfielder Jude Bellingham was not given a red card despite appearing to cover his mouth while speaking to Jordan Ayew against Ghana on June 23.Bellingham’s actions triggered some confusion about why he was not given a red card despite the new FIFA guidelines stipulating that players can be sent off for such an action.Paraguay’s Miguel Almiron was the first player to fall foul of the rule, earning a red card against Turkiye for covering his mouth in a confrontation for covering his mouth while talking to Mert Mulder upon VAR review.However, Bellingham was not given a red card as his interaction with Ayew was not a confrontation but a friendly conversation. The criteria for a red card requires the player to have covered their mouth in a confrontation specifically, differentiating the Almiron incident from the Bellingham one.FIFA president Gianni Infantino pushed for the new rule after Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni tried to hide verbal insults toward Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior in a Champions League game.The rule was worded: A player who covers their mouth with their hand, arm or shirt in confrontational situations will receive a red card. However, players who cover their mouths while having friendly conversations with club teammates on opposing teams, for example, will ‌not be punished.Published on Jun 24, 2026 #Jude #Bellingham #covering #mouth #Ghana

Deadspin | Canada’s Alphonso Davies expected to make 2026 World Cup debut vs. Switzerland Canada’s Alphonso Davies before a match against Qatar on June 18, 2026. Canada coach Jesse Marsch said he does not expect Alphonso Davies to start against Switzerland on Wednesday, but he does expect the star left back to play in their final Group B match. It would mark the 2026 World Cup debut for Davies, who has not played since sustaining a left hamstring injury while playing for Bayern Munich in the second leg of a Champions League semifinal on May 6. Bayern and Canada worked on a recovery plan for Davies, who was included on the World Cup roster and has been striving to get fit. Davies teased during the pre-World Cup training camp that he might be ready in time for the team’s June 12 opener, but it appears Wednesday is the time he finally will make his tournament debut. “We will evaluate what we need of him in the game,” Marsch told reporters on Tuesday. “I would like to get him into the match, for sure. And I think that he can have a big impact, both on us physically and football-wise, but also mentally, psychologically, to have our captain back, our best player back in the team. I think this is a big factor.” Davies has scored 15 goals in 58 career caps with Canada, including the country’s first-ever goal at a World Cup at the 2022 tournament in Qatar. He is a two-time CONCACAF Player of the Year (2021, 2022). However, he has not played for Canada since tearing his anterior cruciate ligament during the Nations League third-place game in March 2025. He has dealt with multiple injuries since. Davies’ return would provide a boost for a Canada team that lost midfielder Ismael Kone to a fractured leg against Qatar on June 18 that will sideline him for the remainder of the World Cup. “It’s so much more than just what (Davies) brings on the pitch — it’s what he represents to us,” Marsch said. “So, the good news is he’s looking great, he’s in training, he looks great, he looks fit, he looks ready to go, excited. So, let’s see how things go, but I expect him to play.” Should Canada win or tie with the Swiss, they would move on to the round of 32. They are currently ahead of Switzerland with a plus-6 goal differential, compared to plus-3 for their counterparts. Canada center back Alfie Jones likely will miss his third consecutive game as he recovers from an ankle injury. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Canadas #Alphonso #Davies #expected #World #Cup #debut #SwitzerlandCanada’s Alphonso Davies before a match against Qatar on June 18, 2026.

Canada coach Jesse Marsch said he does not expect Alphonso Davies to start against Switzerland on Wednesday, but he does expect the star left back to play in their final Group B match.

It would mark the 2026 World Cup debut for Davies, who has not played since sustaining a left hamstring injury while playing for Bayern Munich in the second leg of a Champions League semifinal on May 6. Bayern and Canada worked on a recovery plan for Davies, who was included on the World Cup roster and has been striving to get fit.

Davies teased during the pre-World Cup training camp that he might be ready in time for the team’s June 12 opener, but it appears Wednesday is the time he finally will make his tournament debut.

“We will evaluate what we need of him in the game,” Marsch told reporters on Tuesday. “I would like to get him into the match, for sure. And I think that he can have a big impact, both on us physically and football-wise, but also mentally, psychologically, to have our captain back, our best player back in the team. I think this is a big factor.”

Davies has scored 15 goals in 58 career caps with Canada, including the country’s first-ever goal at a World Cup at the 2022 tournament in Qatar. He is a two-time CONCACAF Player of the Year (2021, 2022).


However, he has not played for Canada since tearing his anterior cruciate ligament during the Nations League third-place game in March 2025. He has dealt with multiple injuries since.

Davies’ return would provide a boost for a Canada team that lost midfielder Ismael Kone to a fractured leg against Qatar on June 18 that will sideline him for the remainder of the World Cup.

“It’s so much more than just what (Davies) brings on the pitch — it’s what he represents to us,” Marsch said. “So, the good news is he’s looking great, he’s in training, he looks great, he looks fit, he looks ready to go, excited. So, let’s see how things go, but I expect him to play.”

Should Canada win or tie with the Swiss, they would move on to the round of 32. They are currently ahead of Switzerland with a plus-6 goal differential, compared to plus-3 for their counterparts.

Canada center back Alfie Jones likely will miss his third consecutive game as he recovers from an ankle injury.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Canadas #Alphonso #Davies #expected #World #Cup #debut #Switzerland">Deadspin | Canada’s Alphonso Davies expected to make 2026 World Cup debut vs. Switzerland Canada’s Alphonso Davies before a match against Qatar on June 18, 2026. Canada coach Jesse Marsch said he does not expect Alphonso Davies to start against Switzerland on Wednesday, but he does expect the star left back to play in their final Group B match. It would mark the 2026 World Cup debut for Davies, who has not played since sustaining a left hamstring injury while playing for Bayern Munich in the second leg of a Champions League semifinal on May 6. Bayern and Canada worked on a recovery plan for Davies, who was included on the World Cup roster and has been striving to get fit. Davies teased during the pre-World Cup training camp that he might be ready in time for the team’s June 12 opener, but it appears Wednesday is the time he finally will make his tournament debut. “We will evaluate what we need of him in the game,” Marsch told reporters on Tuesday. “I would like to get him into the match, for sure. And I think that he can have a big impact, both on us physically and football-wise, but also mentally, psychologically, to have our captain back, our best player back in the team. I think this is a big factor.” Davies has scored 15 goals in 58 career caps with Canada, including the country’s first-ever goal at a World Cup at the 2022 tournament in Qatar. He is a two-time CONCACAF Player of the Year (2021, 2022). However, he has not played for Canada since tearing his anterior cruciate ligament during the Nations League third-place game in March 2025. He has dealt with multiple injuries since. Davies’ return would provide a boost for a Canada team that lost midfielder Ismael Kone to a fractured leg against Qatar on June 18 that will sideline him for the remainder of the World Cup. “It’s so much more than just what (Davies) brings on the pitch — it’s what he represents to us,” Marsch said. “So, the good news is he’s looking great, he’s in training, he looks great, he looks fit, he looks ready to go, excited. So, let’s see how things go, but I expect him to play.” Should Canada win or tie with the Swiss, they would move on to the round of 32. They are currently ahead of Switzerland with a plus-6 goal differential, compared to plus-3 for their counterparts. Canada center back Alfie Jones likely will miss his third consecutive game as he recovers from an ankle injury. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Canadas #Alphonso #Davies #expected #World #Cup #debut #Switzerland

Group L and Group K round out the second set of matches in group play on Tuesday.

And in Group L, England and Ghana square off in a match that could not only see a winner clinch a spot in the knockout round, but also win Group L entirely.

Then in the other match between Panama and Croatia, a loser could see dreams of a World Cup title shattered early.

Here are the scenarios for Group L ahead of the second set of matches.

Update: Following the 0-0 draw between Ghana and England, both teams are closer to clinching a spot in the Round of 32, but nothing has been finalized. In addition, the winner of Group L will come down to the final day of group play.

Regarding Croatia-Panama later tonight, if that match does have a loser, the losing team will be eliminated.

Update (Tuesday night): With Croatia’s 1-0 win over Panama, Panama has been eliminated.

What are the Group L standings?

Ahead of the matches set for Tuesday, June 23, here are the standings in Group L.

Team

W

D

L

GF

GA

GD

Points

England11042+24
Ghana11010+14
Croatia10134-13
Panama00204-20

What are the next matches in Group L?

Here are the remaining matches in Group L, starting with the two matches set for Tuesday, June 23. All times listed are Eastern.

England 0, Ghana, 0
Croatia 1, Panama 0

Panama vs. England, 5:00 p.m.
Croatia vs. Ghana, 5:00 p.m.

What are the scenarios in Group L?

Ahead of the matches set for Tuesday, June 23, here are the scenarios in Group L.

Fresh off a command performance against Croatia, England can clinch a spot in the Round of 32, and potentially Group L, on Tuesday. With a win against Ghana, England is through to the Round of 32. In addition, if England beats Ghana, and Panama loses or draws against Croatia, England will win Group L. More on that in a moment.

A draw against Ghana does not clinch a spot in the knockout round for England.

Along the same lines, the Black Stars can also book a spot in the knockout round and potentially win Group L on Tuesday. With a win against England, they will clinch a spot in the Round of 32 as one of the top two teams in the group. With a win, Ghana will win Group L provided Croatia loses or draws against Panama.

A draw against England does not clinch a spot in the knockout round for Ghana.

Croatia can be eliminated on Tuesday with a loss to Panama, provided Ghana draws or wins against England.

Panama can be eliminated on Tuesday with a loss to Croatia, provided England draws or wins against Ghana.

What about tiebreakers in Group L?

Now we get to the tiebreaker scenarios that come into play with Group L, starting with the matches set for Tuesday, June 23.

Here is how tiebreakers work at the World Cup this year. If two or more teams in the same group are equal on points following the group stage, a three-step process will be followed to determine tiebreakers.

In the first step, the greatest number of points in the group matches between the tied teams will be applied. Then, the superior goal difference from the group matches between the tied teams will be applied, and finally, the greatest number of goals scored in all group matches between the tied teams will be applied.

If that cannot determine a tiebreaker, then the teams that are still equal will advance to step two. In this stage, the first step is the goal difference in all group matches, then the greatest number of goals in all group matches, and finally the highest team conduct score (relating to yellow and red cards) will be applied.

If that does not break the tie, then the teams still equal on points will be ranked according to the most recent FIFA World Rankings.

That first step, which reads “greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned” according to FIFA, effectively turns into a head-to-head tiebreaker in the case of ties between two teams.

Now we can turn to how these tiebreakers impact Group L, using England as an example. As noted above, England can win Group L on Tuesday with a win over Ghana, provided Panama loses or draws against Croatia.

Why is this the case? Because of that first tiebreaker. A win for England against Ghana moves the Three Lions to six points in group play. But if Panama beats Croatia, Panama would have three points, and a chance to still win the group when England plays Panama on the final day of matches in Group L. A Panama win in that match would see Panama finish with six points, just like England, and win the group thanks to the head-to-head win.

That same scenario applies to Ghana, and is why they will win the group with a win against England plus a Croatia loss or draw against Panama, as Ghana and Croatia play on the final day of matches in Group L.

#World #Cup #knockout #scenarios #England #Group">World Cup 2026: What are the knockout round scenarios for England and Group L? Group L and Group K round out the second set of matches in group play on Tuesday.And in Group L, England and Ghana square off in a match that could not only see a winner clinch a spot in the knockout round, but also win Group L entirely.Then in the other match between Panama and Croatia, a loser could see dreams of a World Cup title shattered early.Here are the scenarios for Group L ahead of the second set of matches.Update: Following the 0-0 draw between Ghana and England, both teams are closer to clinching a spot in the Round of 32, but nothing has been finalized. In addition, the winner of Group L will come down to the final day of group play.Regarding Croatia-Panama later tonight, if that match does have a loser, the losing team will be eliminated.Update (Tuesday night): With Croatia’s 1-0 win over Panama, Panama has been eliminated.What are the Group L standings?Ahead of the matches set for Tuesday, June 23, here are the standings in Group L.TeamWDLGFGAGDPointsEngland11042+24Ghana11010+14Croatia10134-13Panama00204-20What are the next matches in Group L?Here are the remaining matches in Group L, starting with the two matches set for Tuesday, June 23. All times listed are Eastern.England 0, Ghana, 0Croatia 1, Panama 0Panama vs. England, 5:00 p.m.Croatia vs. Ghana, 5:00 p.m.What are the scenarios in Group L?Ahead of the matches set for Tuesday, June 23, here are the scenarios in Group L.Fresh off a command performance against Croatia, England can clinch a spot in the Round of 32, and potentially Group L, on Tuesday. With a win against Ghana, England is through to the Round of 32. In addition, if England beats Ghana, and Panama loses or draws against Croatia, England will win Group L. More on that in a moment.A draw against Ghana does not clinch a spot in the knockout round for England.Along the same lines, the Black Stars can also book a spot in the knockout round and potentially win Group L on Tuesday. With a win against England, they will clinch a spot in the Round of 32 as one of the top two teams in the group. With a win, Ghana will win Group L provided Croatia loses or draws against Panama.A draw against England does not clinch a spot in the knockout round for Ghana.Croatia can be eliminated on Tuesday with a loss to Panama, provided Ghana draws or wins against England.Panama can be eliminated on Tuesday with a loss to Croatia, provided England draws or wins against Ghana.What about tiebreakers in Group L?Now we get to the tiebreaker scenarios that come into play with Group L, starting with the matches set for Tuesday, June 23.Here is how tiebreakers work at the World Cup this year. If two or more teams in the same group are equal on points following the group stage, a three-step process will be followed to determine tiebreakers.In the first step, the greatest number of points in the group matches between the tied teams will be applied. Then, the superior goal difference from the group matches between the tied teams will be applied, and finally, the greatest number of goals scored in all group matches between the tied teams will be applied.If that cannot determine a tiebreaker, then the teams that are still equal will advance to step two. In this stage, the first step is the goal difference in all group matches, then the greatest number of goals in all group matches, and finally the highest team conduct score (relating to yellow and red cards) will be applied.If that does not break the tie, then the teams still equal on points will be ranked according to the most recent FIFA World Rankings.That first step, which reads “greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned” according to FIFA, effectively turns into a head-to-head tiebreaker in the case of ties between two teams.Now we can turn to how these tiebreakers impact Group L, using England as an example. As noted above, England can win Group L on Tuesday with a win over Ghana, provided Panama loses or draws against Croatia.Why is this the case? Because of that first tiebreaker. A win for England against Ghana moves the Three Lions to six points in group play. But if Panama beats Croatia, Panama would have three points, and a chance to still win the group when England plays Panama on the final day of matches in Group L. A Panama win in that match would see Panama finish with six points, just like England, and win the group thanks to the head-to-head win.That same scenario applies to Ghana, and is why they will win the group with a win against England plus a Croatia loss or draw against Panama, as Ghana and Croatia play on the final day of matches in Group L. #World #Cup #knockout #scenarios #England #Group

FIFA World Rankings.

That first step, which reads “greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned” according to FIFA, effectively turns into a head-to-head tiebreaker in the case of ties between two teams.

Now we can turn to how these tiebreakers impact Group L, using England as an example. As noted above, England can win Group L on Tuesday with a win over Ghana, provided Panama loses or draws against Croatia.

Why is this the case? Because of that first tiebreaker. A win for England against Ghana moves the Three Lions to six points in group play. But if Panama beats Croatia, Panama would have three points, and a chance to still win the group when England plays Panama on the final day of matches in Group L. A Panama win in that match would see Panama finish with six points, just like England, and win the group thanks to the head-to-head win.

That same scenario applies to Ghana, and is why they will win the group with a win against England plus a Croatia loss or draw against Panama, as Ghana and Croatia play on the final day of matches in Group L.

#World #Cup #knockout #scenarios #England #Group">World Cup 2026: What are the knockout round scenarios for England and Group L?

Group L and Group K round out the second set of matches in group play on Tuesday.

And in Group L, England and Ghana square off in a match that could not only see a winner clinch a spot in the knockout round, but also win Group L entirely.

Then in the other match between Panama and Croatia, a loser could see dreams of a World Cup title shattered early.

Here are the scenarios for Group L ahead of the second set of matches.

Update: Following the 0-0 draw between Ghana and England, both teams are closer to clinching a spot in the Round of 32, but nothing has been finalized. In addition, the winner of Group L will come down to the final day of group play.

Regarding Croatia-Panama later tonight, if that match does have a loser, the losing team will be eliminated.

Update (Tuesday night): With Croatia’s 1-0 win over Panama, Panama has been eliminated.

What are the Group L standings?

Ahead of the matches set for Tuesday, June 23, here are the standings in Group L.

Team

W

D

L

GF

GA

GD

Points

England11042+24
Ghana11010+14
Croatia10134-13
Panama00204-20

What are the next matches in Group L?

Here are the remaining matches in Group L, starting with the two matches set for Tuesday, June 23. All times listed are Eastern.

England 0, Ghana, 0
Croatia 1, Panama 0

Panama vs. England, 5:00 p.m.
Croatia vs. Ghana, 5:00 p.m.

What are the scenarios in Group L?

Ahead of the matches set for Tuesday, June 23, here are the scenarios in Group L.

Fresh off a command performance against Croatia, England can clinch a spot in the Round of 32, and potentially Group L, on Tuesday. With a win against Ghana, England is through to the Round of 32. In addition, if England beats Ghana, and Panama loses or draws against Croatia, England will win Group L. More on that in a moment.

A draw against Ghana does not clinch a spot in the knockout round for England.

Along the same lines, the Black Stars can also book a spot in the knockout round and potentially win Group L on Tuesday. With a win against England, they will clinch a spot in the Round of 32 as one of the top two teams in the group. With a win, Ghana will win Group L provided Croatia loses or draws against Panama.

A draw against England does not clinch a spot in the knockout round for Ghana.

Croatia can be eliminated on Tuesday with a loss to Panama, provided Ghana draws or wins against England.

Panama can be eliminated on Tuesday with a loss to Croatia, provided England draws or wins against Ghana.

What about tiebreakers in Group L?

Now we get to the tiebreaker scenarios that come into play with Group L, starting with the matches set for Tuesday, June 23.

Here is how tiebreakers work at the World Cup this year. If two or more teams in the same group are equal on points following the group stage, a three-step process will be followed to determine tiebreakers.

In the first step, the greatest number of points in the group matches between the tied teams will be applied. Then, the superior goal difference from the group matches between the tied teams will be applied, and finally, the greatest number of goals scored in all group matches between the tied teams will be applied.

If that cannot determine a tiebreaker, then the teams that are still equal will advance to step two. In this stage, the first step is the goal difference in all group matches, then the greatest number of goals in all group matches, and finally the highest team conduct score (relating to yellow and red cards) will be applied.

If that does not break the tie, then the teams still equal on points will be ranked according to the most recent FIFA World Rankings.

That first step, which reads “greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned” according to FIFA, effectively turns into a head-to-head tiebreaker in the case of ties between two teams.

Now we can turn to how these tiebreakers impact Group L, using England as an example. As noted above, England can win Group L on Tuesday with a win over Ghana, provided Panama loses or draws against Croatia.

Why is this the case? Because of that first tiebreaker. A win for England against Ghana moves the Three Lions to six points in group play. But if Panama beats Croatia, Panama would have three points, and a chance to still win the group when England plays Panama on the final day of matches in Group L. A Panama win in that match would see Panama finish with six points, just like England, and win the group thanks to the head-to-head win.

That same scenario applies to Ghana, and is why they will win the group with a win against England plus a Croatia loss or draw against Panama, as Ghana and Croatia play on the final day of matches in Group L.

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