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Jun 23, 2026 Major4
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England Held to Frustrating 0-0 Draw by Ghana, Kane Misses Late Chance
England and Ghana played out a goalless draw in World Cup Group L, with Harry Kane missing a clear late chance. The result leaves both teams on four points, with England leading on goal difference heading into the final group matches.
Quick Facts
Who
England
What
World Cup Group L match
When
Tuesday
Where
Gillette Stadium
- World Cup Group L match
- goalless draw
- Harry Kane missed late chance
- England dominated possession
- Ghana defended resolutely
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.
Why This Matters
This result means England must win their final group match against Panama to guarantee progression, as both teams are level on points. For readers, the draw underscores the unpredictability of tournament football and the importance of finishing chances, especially for a team considered pre-tournament favorites.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 23, 2026
WireMatch kicks off at Gillette Stadium
Jun 23, 2026
WireFirst half ends 0-0 with England having five shots
Jun 23, 2026
WireGhana's Marvin Senaya has a chance blocked; England dominate second half
Jun 23, 2026
WireGhana's Prince Adu claims penalty after challenge by Konsa, not given
Jun 23, 2026
WireHalftime: 0-0
Jun 23, 2026
WireNico O'Reilly hits crossbar; Harry Kane misses rebound
Jun 23, 2026
WireMarc Guehi's header cleared off the line in stoppage time
Jun 23, 2026
WireMatch ends 0-0; both teams have four points
Jun 23, 2026
WireFull time: 0-0 draw
Jun 23, 2026
WireHarry Kane misses late chance in 86th minute
Jun 23, 2026
WireMarc Guehi header cleared off line in stoppage time
Entities
Sources
- Mundial Inglaterra Ghana Empate Kane 7d1e9940afe7bd8909e49f7f8f15e39eapWireJun 23, 2026
- World Cup 2026: Rate the players in England v GhanaBBCMediaJun 23, 2026
- England's World Cup momentum stalled by Ghana after Kane missESPNMediaJun 23, 2026
- England held goalless draw by Ghana in World Cup Group LxinhuaMediaJun 23, 2026