England and Ghana played to a 0-0 draw on June 23, 2026, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, in their Group L match at the World Cup [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7]. The match marked the first World Cup game in 2026 where neither side registered a shot on target during the entire first half [2, 3, 4, 6]. England dominated possession in the first 45 minutes, controlling up to 80% of the ball, but struggled to create clear scoring chances until late in the match [4, 6].

England’s first shot on target came only around the 59th minute. The closest chance arrived in the 86th minute when England’s Nico O'Reilly headed the ball onto the crossbar. England captain Harry Kane missed the rebound, shooting over the bar and missing an opportunity to secure victory [2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7]. Kane later said, "I was just there waiting for an opportunity like that to fall my way... I'm backing myself to score that more often than not" [5].

England head coach Thomas Tuchel said winger Bukayo Saka, recovering from an Achilles injury, "is getting better and better, he’s more and more free in his movements, he feels no more pain" [8]. Midfielder Declan Rice added, "We believe that if we can do that from the opening minute... we can beat any opponent in the world" [8].

Ghana’s coach Carlos Queiroz praised his team’s defensive effort and discipline. "I am so proud of the way our players fought during the game... when you have to defend, you defend," Queiroz said. He added, "The first goal, it’s achieved, we qualify for the second round" [4]. Ghana nearly earned a penalty in the 79th minute after a foul claim was denied by the referee [7].

Ghana fielded key players Antoine Semenyo, Caleb Yirenkyi, and Jordan Ayew, while midfielder Thomas Partey—who missed Canada entry earlier—was available for the match [1, 9]. The match took place under wet and chilly conditions, witnessed by 63,983 spectators, mostly England fans [7].

Both teams now have four points from two matches, placing them near the top of Group L and close to qualification for the round of 32 [2, 3, 4, 6]. England won their opening match against Croatia 4-2, while Ghana defeated Panama 1-0 on June 17 [1, 8, 9]. Later on June 23, Croatia and Panama played each other with both teams still seeking points [2, 3, 4, 6].

England will next face Panama in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on June 27 [5, 10].