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FIBA Women’s World Cup 2026 groups: Defending champion U.S. to face China, Italy, Czech Republic  The U.S. women’s basketball team will face China, Italy and the Czech Republic in the women’s FIBA World Cup in September, looking to win its fifth consecutive title.The World Cup will be held from September 4-13 in Berlin, with the WNBA taking a nearly three-week break in its season to accommodate the event. The Americans have won the last four World Cups, dating back to 2010. They took bronze in 2006.The U.S. squad could feature a lot of young talent, including Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers and Angel Reese, to go along with veterans A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart. The young trio helped the Americans win a World Cup qualifying tournament in Puerto Rico last month.ALSO READ | NBA: Billy Donovan steps down as Chicago Bulls coachThe Americans are in Group D. They beat China for the gold medal in the 2022 World Cup.Buoyed by the success of the 2022 World Cup in Australia, the field was expanded to 16 teams for the first time since 2018.The winner of each group will advance to the quarterfinals. The second- and third-place finishers in the four pools will play each other for the other four spots in the quarters.GROUPS
                                                        Group A: Japan, Spain, Germany, Mali                    
                                                        Group B: Hungary, Korea, Nigeria, France                    
                                                        Group C: Belgium, Australia, Puerto Rico, Türkiye                    
                                                        Group D: USA, Czechia, Italy, China                    Published on Apr 21, 2026  #FIBA #Womens #World #Cup #groups #Defending #champion #U.S #face #China #Italy #Czech #Republic

FIBA Women’s World Cup 2026 groups: Defending champion U.S. to face China, Italy, Czech Republic

The U.S. women’s basketball team will face China, Italy and the Czech Republic in the women’s FIBA World Cup in September, looking to win its fifth consecutive title.

The World Cup will be held from September 4-13 in Berlin, with the WNBA taking a nearly three-week break in its season to accommodate the event. The Americans have won the last four World Cups, dating back to 2010. They took bronze in 2006.

The U.S. squad could feature a lot of young talent, including Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers and Angel Reese, to go along with veterans A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart. The young trio helped the Americans win a World Cup qualifying tournament in Puerto Rico last month.

ALSO READ | NBA: Billy Donovan steps down as Chicago Bulls coach

The Americans are in Group D. They beat China for the gold medal in the 2022 World Cup.

Buoyed by the success of the 2022 World Cup in Australia, the field was expanded to 16 teams for the first time since 2018.

The winner of each group will advance to the quarterfinals. The second- and third-place finishers in the four pools will play each other for the other four spots in the quarters.

GROUPS

  • Group A: Japan, Spain, Germany, Mali
  • Group B: Hungary, Korea, Nigeria, France
  • Group C: Belgium, Australia, Puerto Rico, Türkiye
  • Group D: USA, Czechia, Italy, China

Published on Apr 21, 2026

#FIBA #Womens #World #Cup #groups #Defending #champion #U.S #face #China #Italy #Czech #Republic

The U.S. women’s basketball team will face China, Italy and the Czech Republic in the women’s FIBA World Cup in September, looking to win its fifth consecutive title.

The World Cup will be held from September 4-13 in Berlin, with the WNBA taking a nearly three-week break in its season to accommodate the event. The Americans have won the last four World Cups, dating back to 2010. They took bronze in 2006.

The U.S. squad could feature a lot of young talent, including Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers and Angel Reese, to go along with veterans A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart. The young trio helped the Americans win a World Cup qualifying tournament in Puerto Rico last month.

ALSO READ | NBA: Billy Donovan steps down as Chicago Bulls coach

The Americans are in Group D. They beat China for the gold medal in the 2022 World Cup.

Buoyed by the success of the 2022 World Cup in Australia, the field was expanded to 16 teams for the first time since 2018.

The winner of each group will advance to the quarterfinals. The second- and third-place finishers in the four pools will play each other for the other four spots in the quarters.

GROUPS

  • Group A: Japan, Spain, Germany, Mali
  • Group B: Hungary, Korea, Nigeria, France
  • Group C: Belgium, Australia, Puerto Rico, Türkiye
  • Group D: USA, Czechia, Italy, China

Published on Apr 21, 2026

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#FIBA #Womens #World #Cup #groups #Defending #champion #U.S #face #China #Italy #Czech #Republic

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Deadspin | Aaron Judge, Ben Rice, Yankees take aim at rival Red Sox <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28612577.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28612577.jpg" alt="MLB: New York Yankees at San Francisco Giants" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Mar 28, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) is congratulated by first baseman Ben Rice (22) after hitting a home run against the San Francisco Giants in the fifth inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>The rivalry is back, early.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>For the first time since 2022, the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees are squaring off in April. Their initial three-game series of the season — and their first encounter since the 2025 American League wild-card round — begins Tuesday night in Boston.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>New York, which holds a one-game lead over the Tampa Bay Rays atop the AL East standings, completed a three-game series sweep of the Kansas City Royals with a 7-0 win on Sunday. Now, a nine-game, three-city road trip begins.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>“To put up some big runs was huge,” Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge said. “We’ll definitely take this momentum into those series.”</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>Judge and first baseman Ben Rice both went deep on Sunday, giving them an MLB-leading 17 home runs this season as a duo. Judge’s two-run shot in the first inning proved to be all that the Yankees needed.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>Rice, who hails from Cohasset, Mass., entered Tuesday leading the league in OPS (1.276) after homering in four consecutive games. </p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>While the left-handed hitter sometimes has been held out of the lineup against southpaws, it is becoming increasingly difficult for manager Aaron Boone to make that decision. </p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>“The bottom line is, he’s turning into — or even is — one of the really outstanding hitters in this league,” Boone said.</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>Eight of the Yankees’ 13 wins this season have featured at least two home runs. Trent Grisham also joined that action with a three-run blast on Sunday.</p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>“This lineup last year had five guys who hit 30 homers,” Grisham said. “That’s felt by other teams.”</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>Still in search of his first win, right-hander Luis Gil (0-1, 7.00 ERA) will take the ball on Tuesday. He allowed all four runs on three homers across a five-inning start last Wednesday against the Los Angeles Angels.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-12"> <p>Gil has enjoyed great career success against the Red Sox, posting a 2-1 record and 0.99 ERA in five starts. He pitched 11 innings and allowed only two runs to Boston last season.</p> </section> <section id="section-13"> <p>The Red Sox scored six runs in the final three innings en route to an 8-6 Patriots’ Day win over the Detroit Tigers on Monday, securing a split of the four-game series.</p> </section><section id="section-14"> <p>After scoring four runs over the previous three days, the 12-hit breakout and a win were much-needed, especially with seven relievers being called upon after starter Sonny Gray exited in the third inning with right hamstring tightness. </p> </section><section id="section-15"> <p>“Sonny’s gonna get an MRI (Tuesday),” Red Sox manager Alex Cora said. “We don’t think it’s serious, but we have to see what’s going on.”</p> </section><section id="section-16"> <p>Monday marked Boston’s first win this season when its starter lasted fewer than six innings (1-13).</p> </section><section id="section-17"> <p>On top of the hits, five of which came with runners in scoring position, the Red Sox accepted eight walks and stole three bases. Ceddanne Rafaela’s two-out, two-run double in the seventh was the game-changing swing.</p> </section><section id="section-18"> <p>“We put pressure on the opposition. That’s where we’re at right now, right?” Cora said. “There were some good at-bats. … That’s what it’s going to take for us to score runs. We will maximize the roster.”</p> </section><section id="section-19"> <p>Cora’s club would certainly benefit from 24-year-old left-hander Connelly Early (1-0, 2.29) giving another quality start as well.</p> </section><section id="section-20"> <p>Early has not allowed more than two runs in any of his four outings this season and looks to build upon six innings of one-run ball in last Wednesday’s win over the Minnesota Twins, which was Boston’s last game before the current homestand.</p> </section><section id="section-21"> <p>“He looks different out there. He looks just so calm, always,” Red Sox outfielder Roman Anthony said. “We saw what he did in his debut, how unfazed he was. He started in the postseason. … He looks like he has 10 years (of experience).”</p> </section><section id="section-22"> <p>Early’s only history with New York was a start in the third and deciding game of last season’s playoff series. He fanned six while allowing three earned runs in 3 2/3 innings.</p> </section><section id="section-23"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #Aaron #Judge #Ben #Rice #Yankees #aim #rival #Red #Sox

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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