England vs Ghana: Three Lions Held to a Frustrating World Cup Draw

Updated 23 June 2026.

England vs Ghana at World Cup 2026 finished 0-0, Harry Kane skying the game’s clearest chance over an open goal in the 87th minute as a well-organised Ghana held out at Gillette Stadium. England dominated possession but rarely tested Benjamin Asare, while Marc Guehi had to head a late Ghana effort off the line to preserve the point.

England vs Ghana World Cup 2026: why it stayed goalless

England controlled four-fifths of the ball but found Ghana’s low block hard to break down. Declan Rice headed over from a Noni Madueke cross in the 37th minute, and Anthony Gordon’s shot was straight at the goalkeeper just after the hour. The closest England came was the 87th minute, when Nico O’Reilly’s header cannoned back off the crossbar and Kane, with the goal gaping, blazed the rebound over. Ghana had their own shout for a penalty waved away by VAR in the 79th minute when Prince Adu went down under a challenge from Ezri Konsa, and Marc Guehi was forced to head a stoppage-time effort off his own line to deny a Ghana winner.

The biggest off-field talking point was Jude Bellingham covering his mouth while talking to Ghana captain Jordan Ayew, a moment that drew scrutiny under the tournament’s new rule allowing a red card for deliberately hiding a confrontational exchange. Referees decided the conversation was not hostile, and no card followed.

What it means for Group L

England move to four points and Ghana also sit on four, both closing in on the Round of 32 with a round to play. Croatia’s win over Panama on the same day means the group could still be settled on goal difference. Sky Sports’ match report covered the late chances in full. Track the full picture on our group standings tracker and the live standings page.

What is next

England face Panama in the final round looking to confirm top spot, with kick-offs on our fixtures page and goals live on live scores. Revisit England’s opener in our England vs Croatia report and Ghana’s in our Ghana vs Panama report, and see the full schedule in our complete World Cup 2026 guide.

Frequently asked questions

What was the score in England vs Ghana?

England and Ghana drew 0-0 in their World Cup 2026 Group L match on 23 June at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough.

Why didn’t England score against Ghana?

England had 80% possession but Ghana defended deep and organised. Harry Kane’s 87th-minute miss, blazing over an open goal after Nico O’Reilly’s header hit the crossbar, was the game’s biggest chance.

Was Jude Bellingham sent off against Ghana?

No. Bellingham was seen covering his mouth while talking to Jordan Ayew, which can trigger a red card under a new World Cup 2026 rule if the exchange is confrontational, but officials ruled it was not and no card was given.

Sources: 2026 FIFA World Cup Group L, Sky Sports match report and the FIFA match centre.