Ghana moved a step closer to the 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stage after earning a hard-fought 0-0 draw against England at Boston Stadium on Tuesday in a clash between two teams that arrived with perfect records in Group L.
The result leaves Ghana level on points with England at the top of the group and firmly in contention for a place in the last 32 heading into the final round of matches.
England came into the contest full of confidence after a thrilling 4-2 victory over Croatia in their opening game on June 17. Harry Kane scored twice in that win, while the Three Lions had won three consecutive matches in all competitions. Ghana also made a winning start to their campaign, beating Panama 1-0 thanks to Caleb Yirenkyi’s goal.
This was the first ever FIFA World Cup meeting between England and Ghana. Their only previous encounter came in a friendly at Wembley in 2011, which ended 1-1.
England dominated possession from the opening whistle and completed 71 passes in the first five minutes. Since Opta records began in 1966, only Portugal against Congo DR earlier in this tournament managed more passes during the opening five minutes of a World Cup match.
The first notable moment arrived in the ninth minute when Jude Bellingham required treatment after a collision halted play. England continued to control the ball and almost created an opening five minutes later. Declan Rice stepped up to a free-kick in a dangerous position, but his powerful effort flew over the crossbar.
Ghana remained disciplined defensively and limited England’s attacking opportunities. In the 21st minute, Jordan Ayew fouled Marc Guehi before Reece James tested goalkeeper Benjamin Asare with a routine effort. Moments later, James and Ayew clashed heads in an incident that required medical attention.
England continued to probe but struggled to break through Ghana’s compact defensive structure. Noni Madueke delivered an inviting cross into the penalty area in the 37th minute, yet Rice failed to keep his header down as the ball sailed over the bar.
The opening half produced few clear-cut chances. England controlled possession but lacked penetration, while Ghana looked comfortable sitting deep and waiting for counterattacking opportunities.
At halftime, England assistant manager Anthony Barry admitted the match had unfolded largely as expected when speaking with the BBC.
“It has been absolutely OK. A game we probably expect to be a difficult challenge, a difficult opponent.
“They defend deep, deep, deep, probably deeper than we expected.
“They have this incredible speed. The headline for us is probably patience and continuing attacking with a stable base. Ghana are a team with excellent counter-attacking options.”
The first shot on target finally arrived in the 58th minute. England worked the ball around the edge of the box before Madueke’s effort took a deflection. Anthony Gordon reacted quickest to the loose ball, but his strike went straight into the hands of Benjamin Asare.
Six minutes later, England won another dangerous free-kick. However, the move ended with Madueke dragging his shot wide from the edge of the area.
England manager Gareth Southgate turned to his bench in the 66th minute. Bukayo Saka and Nico O’Reilly replaced Anthony Gordon and Djed Spence, while Ghana introduced Abdul Fatawu and Prince Adu in place of Inaki Williams and Jordan Ayew.
Further changes followed in the 73rd minute as Morgan Rogers replaced Jude Bellingham and Eberechi Eze came on for Elliot Anderson.
The game’s most dramatic moment arrived in the 80th minute. Prince Adu burst clear of Marc Guehi and looked set for a shooting opportunity before Ezri Konsa produced a crucial recovery challenge. Ghana briefly appealed for a penalty, but the referee waved play on. The loose ball remained alive inside the area before England finally cleared their lines.
England pushed hard in the closing stages. In the 86th minute, Bukayo Saka cut inside from the right and unleashed a powerful low drive that forced Benjamin Asare into a superb save.
A minute later, England came agonisingly close to finding a winner. Nico O’Reilly rose highest to meet a cross and saw his header crash against the crossbar. The rebound fell kindly for Harry Kane, but the England captain somehow fired over from close range.
Deep into stoppage time, England earned another corner. Marc Guehi’s header looked destined for the net before Ghana cleared the ball off the line. England immediately won another corner, but this time Asare confidently punched clear to preserve the draw.
The final whistle sparked jubilant celebrations among Ghana’s players and coaching staff. The result felt like a victory for Carlos Queiroz’s side, who now sit level with England at the summit of Group L and remain well placed to qualify for the knockout rounds.
England, meanwhile, were left frustrated after dominating possession but failing to find a breakthrough. Their qualification hopes will now be decided in their final group-stage fixture.
Before the match, England boasted an unbeaten record against African opposition at the men’s World Cup, winning five and drawing three of their previous eight meetings. The draw against Ghana extended that unbeaten run, but it was the Black Stars who left Boston feeling far more satisfied with the outcome.
