‘NO DISRESPECT TO THE OTHERS, THEY ARE MY FAVOURITE GROUP’ — ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC PICKS THE WORLD CUP GROUP HE CAN’T WAIT TO WATCH AS FANS REACT TO HIS CHOICE

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has not even reached its opening round of matches, yet former Sweden striker and football icon Zlatan Ibrahimović has already sparked a major debate among supporters after revealing which group he believes will be the most exciting to follow during the tournament.

Speaking during a discussion about the World Cup groups, Ibrahimović singled out Group L as the one that has captured his attention more than any other. The group contains England, Croatia, Ghana and Panama, a combination that many fans and pundits believe could deliver some of the most entertaining matches of the opening phase of the competition. (Fox Sports⁠)

Group L has already been described by several analysts as one of the toughest and most competitive groups in the tournament. England enter as favourites, while Croatia arrive with a proven record of performing on football’s biggest stage. Ghana are viewed as dangerous outsiders capable of causing problems for any team, while Panama will be looking to upset expectations. (New York Post⁠)

For many observers, Ibrahimović’s choice was not entirely surprising. England remain one of the tournament favourites thanks to a squad packed with world-class talent, while Ghana bring a combination of pace, flair and attacking quality that has earned admiration across the football world. (New York Post⁠)

However, it was Ibrahimović’s verdict that quickly became the main talking point among fans.

The Swedish legend said:

“Group L. We have England. We have Croatia. Then, we have Ghana with big talents. Let’s see what they bring. We have Panama. Unfortunately, in this group, I think they will be a punching bag for England and Croatia, and Ghana might disturb them and take some points.” (Fox Sports⁠)

His comments immediately spread across social media platforms, with supporters from England and Ghana especially delighted to hear their nations receive praise from one of football’s most outspoken personalities.

Many England supporters viewed the comments as further evidence that the Three Lions are among the favourites to challenge for the trophy. Under Thomas Tuchel, expectations remain extremely high as England continue their search for a first major international title since 1966. (New York Post⁠)

Meanwhile, Ghanaian supporters welcomed Ibrahimović’s belief that the Black Stars possess enough quality to trouble the bigger nations in the group. Despite recent inconsistency, Ghana still boast several talented attacking players and remain one of Africa’s most respected football nations. (New York Post⁠)

As the clip circulated online, fans rushed to share their opinions.

@ThreeLionsHub wrote: “Zlatan knows football. England vs Ghana will be one of the games of the group stage.”

@BlackStarsNation posted: “Respect to Zlatan. Ghana always shows up when the world is watching.”

@KaneEra10 commented: “If Zlatan says Group L is the best, then everyone will be watching it.”

@GHFootballLive wrote: “England and Ghana in the same group was already exciting. Zlatan just added more hype.”

@WorldCupTalks posted: “Group L could genuinely be the most entertaining group in the entire tournament.”

@FootballViews24 added: “Croatia, England and Ghana all have a realistic chance of producing unforgettable moments. Zlatan isn’t wrong.”

Others focused on his assessment of Panama.

@NeutralFootballFan commented:“Panama will use these comments as motivation. That’s exactly the kind of thing players remember.”

@PanamaPride26 wrote: “Everyone keeps writing us off. We love being underestimated.”

The excitement surrounding Group L is understandable. England arrive with one of the strongest squads in the competition, Croatia continue to defy expectations at major tournaments, Ghana possess explosive attacking talent and Panama have already shown they can surprise bigger nations. (New York Post⁠)

With England scheduled to face Croatia in one of the headline matches of the opening round and Ghana aiming to prove they belong among the tournament’s strongest teams, the group already looks set to attract global attention. (New York Post⁠)

Whether Ibrahimović’s prediction proves correct remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: his endorsement has added even more intrigue to a group that was already generating huge excitement.

And if England and Ghana live up to the expectations that convinced Zlatan to choose Group L as his favourite, football fans around the world could be in for one of the most memorable group-stage battles of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. (Fox Sports⁠)