England are tough, but we can play against Ghana, Panama - Croatia coach reacts to World Cup draw

VARAZDIN, CROATIA - OCTOBER 12: coach Zlatko Dalic of Croatia during the World Cup Qualifier match between Croatia v Gibraltar at the Andelko Herjavec Stadium on October 12, 2025 in Varazdin Croatia (Photo by Damjan Zibert /Soccrates/Getty Images)

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Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic has described England as one of the "toughest opponents", while expressing optimism of their chances against Ghana and Panama at next year's World Cup.

Croatia, bronze medallists at the last World Cup, were paired in Group L against 1966 winners England, African giants Ghana and lowly-rated Panama in Friday's 2026 FIFA World Cup draw.

The Vatreni coach, who has led his side to second and third-place finishes at the last two editions, said "from the first pot we got one of the toughest national teams, England. It’s a bit unfortunate that we’re playing them in the opening match, which is the most important one because it sets the tone at the start. We’ll have to be ready for that match."

However, he was noticeably upbeat about Croatia's chances of beating Ghana and Panama."Panama and Ghana are opponents we can play against and achieve a good result. We will scout them well," he told HNS.

Croatia has never lost to an African team at the World Cup. They have won three and drawn once in four meetings with African teams.

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