Football fans gathered across Ghana’s capital, Accra, on Tuesday to watch the Black Stars hold England to a 0-0 draw in a tightly contested 2026 FIFA World Cup Group L encounter.
The result sparked celebrations among supporters, many of whom praised Ghana’s resilient performance against one of the tournament’s favourites and described the draw as a significant achievement for the West African nation.
“This shows that football has changed. Football is dynamic; this is not old football, we are moving forward. This is football, this is real football,” said football fan Nana Kojo after watching the match at a public viewing centre in Accra.
The Black Stars frustrated England throughout the match with a disciplined defensive display, denying the European side despite sustained pressure, particularly in the closing stages of the game.
Both teams entered the fixture on the back of opening-match victories. Ghana defeated Panama 1-0 in its first Group L match, while England began its campaign with an impressive 4-2 victory over Croatia.
The draw leaves both sides well placed in the group, although qualification for the knockout stage remains undecided with one group match still to play.
England, which had never lost to an African nation in nine previous FIFA World Cup meetings, dominated possession and finished with 19 shots compared to Ghana’s single attempt. However, Gareth Southgate’s side was unable to convert its chances, with Ghana’s defence standing firm until the final whistle.
For Ghana, the result represents another encouraging step in its bid to return to the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time since reaching the quarter-finals in South Africa in 2010 the country’s best-ever performance at the tournament.
Across Accra, jubilant fans celebrated the draw by waving national flags, singing patriotic songs and praising the team’s determination against one of world football’s traditional powerhouses.
Attention now turns to the final round of Group L fixtures. England will face Panama on Saturday in East Rutherford, New Jersey, while Ghana will take on Croatia in Philadelphia, with both teams seeking the points needed to secure a place in the knockout stage.
Elsewhere in the tournament, the Democratic Republic of Congo suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Colombia, while Portugal produced one of the most dominant performances of the round with a commanding 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan.
The draw against England has renewed optimism among Ghanaian supporters, who believe the Black Stars have the quality and determination to advance beyond the group stage and make another memorable World Cup run.
TNAM
By Egwu Patience Nnennaya
Wednesday June 24, 2026.
