2026 World Cup: Black Stars take giant step towards knockout stage with England draw

Ghana’s senior men’s national football team, the Black Stars, drew with England’s Three Lions in their second Group L match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Boston Stadium on Tuesday, June 23, 2026.

The Black Stars produced a disciplined defensive display to hold England to a goalless draw.

England dominated possession from the opening whistle and spent long periods camped inside Ghana’s half, but they struggled to break down a compact and organised Black Stars defence.

The first half produced few clear-cut opportunities, with neither side registering a shot on target as Ghana remained compact and denied the Three Lions space in dangerous areas.

Ghana gradually grew into the contest after the interval and looked threatening on the counterattack through Antoine Semenyo and substitute Prince Kwabena Adu. The Black Stars showed greater attacking intent in the second half and briefly threatened to snatch all three points, forcing England’s defenders to remain alert against quick transitions.

England pushed hard for a winner in the closing stages and came agonisingly close when Nico O’Reilly’s header struck the crossbar.

Harry Kane was unable to convert the rebound, while Marc Guéhi also saw a late effort cleared off the line as Ghana’s defence stood firm under intense pressure.

The final whistle confirmed a hard-earned point for Ghana, whose resolute performance earned widespread praise.

The result kept the Black Stars firmly in contention for a place in the knockout stages while frustrating one of the tournament favourites, which had entered the match on the back of a thrilling 4-2 victory over Croatia.

With four points from their opening two matches, following their victory over Panama, the Black Stars remain well placed ahead of their final group game against Croatia, while England will look to secure qualification when they face Panama.

Watch a livestream of the match below:



BAI