England Held to Frustrating 0-0 Draw by Ghana, Kane Misses Late Chance

England missed a chance to secure their place in the knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday, playing out a goalless draw with a resilient Ghana side at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Despite dominating possession with 79% and registering 19 shots, the Three Lions were unable to break down a disciplined Ghana defense. The result leaves both teams level on four points in Group L, with England leading on goal difference ahead of the final group matches.

The best opportunity of the match fell to England captain Harry Kane in the 86th minute. Substitute Nico O'Reilly headed against the crossbar, and the rebound fell to Kane, but he uncharacteristically blasted the ball high over the bar from close range. "I was waiting for an opportunity like that to fall my way and it was a game as a striker where you are just waiting for the ball to bounce. It did and I just couldn't quite get over the ball," Kane told the BBC. England also hit the woodwork in stoppage time through Marc Guehi's header, which was cleared off the line.

Ghana, ranked 65th by FIFA, defended resolutely under coach Carlos Queiroz. Their best chance came in the 78th minute when Abdul Fatawu dispossessed Eberechi Eze and set up Prince Adu, but Adu was challenged from behind by Ezri Konsa before he could shoot, with no penalty awarded. Ghana celebrated the final whistle as a significant result, keeping alive their hopes of reaching the knockout rounds for the first time since 2010.

England manager Thomas Tuchel's side, pre-tournament favorites after a 4-2 win over Croatia, now face a must-win final group game against Panama on Saturday in New Jersey. Ghana will face Croatia at the same time. The draw was England's first failure to beat an African nation at the World Cup in nine meetings, and their 79% possession without scoring was the highest by any team failing to score in a World Cup match in 60 years.