Ghana strengthened their chances of reaching the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage after holding England to a goalless draw on Monday in Group L at Boston Stadium.
The result leaves both teams on four points from two matches, with Ghana and England occupying the top two positions heading into the final round of group fixtures on June 27. A draw against Croatia in their last game would be enough to send the Black Stars through to the Round of 32.
Carlos Queiroz’s side arrived in Boston on the back of their dramatic late win over Panama and once again proved difficult to break down against one of the tournament favourites. England had the better of possession for long periods but could find no way through.
The first half produced little of note. England pressed but struggled against a compact Ghana backline. Their clearest opening came through Declan Rice, whose looping header drifted over the crossbar.
England raised the tempo after the break. Elliot Anderson had a close-range header blocked before Anthony Gordon forced a save from goalkeeper Benjamin Asare with a low drive. Harry Kane also tried his luck from distance, but Asare held firm.
Ghana carried a threat of their own going forward. Their best chance came with under ten minutes left when Abdul Fatawu burst through on goal from a swift counter. England defender Ezri Konsa recovered to block his first effort, and Fatawu’s follow-up was inadvertently turned away on the line by his own teammate Antoine Semenyo.
England came closest to winning it late on. Reece James crossed for Nico O’Reilly, whose header struck the crossbar. The rebound dropped to Kane, but the England captain fired over from close range.
England midfielder Jude Bellingham paid tribute to Ghana after the match, acknowledging how well the Black Stars defended throughout. The West Africans go into their final group game against Croatia knowing a point would see them through to the last 32.
