World Cup Group Winner Predictions - Good Odds on Croatia Upsetting Out-Of-Form England in Group L
The bookmakers all have England as easy favourites to win Group L. However, anyone who has been watching England’s recent international performances may have doubts. So might anyone who remembers Croatia exceeding expectations frequently on the big stage.
Is it a good call to bet on Croatia as outside favourites to win the group? Let’s examine the evidence.
World Cup Group L Winner Predictions - Croatia or England?
England are heavily favoured by the bookmakers to win Group L. Bet365 and Bwin have England as 2/7 favourites, which feels like a very nervous bet to make.
So could Croatia pull off an upset? The odds are only 7/2, but the Croats have been here before.
Croatia have finished in the top 4 at the past two World Cups. They achieved this as outsiders with an ageing squad thanks to incredible team discipline and taking advantage of their strengths.
Now, an ageing squad has become a mostly retired squad, but some stars remain. Luka Modric, the evergreen playmaker, leads the squad at age 40. Ivan Perisic will play up front at 37. Other stars include Man City’s pairing of Mateo Kovacic and Josko Gvardiol, who Croatia hope will be fit for the World Cup.
Only a fool would write Croatia off at this point, and with 7/2 odds across the board, they could be a good bet.
| Team | bet365 | Bwin | Betsson |
| Croatia | 7/2 | 7/2 | 7/2 |
| England | 2/7 | 2/7 | 7/25 |
| Ghana | 10/1 | 10/1 | 10/1 |
| Panama | 50/1 | 50/1 | 59/1 |
Odds correct as of May 28th 2026.
Who Is a Favourite in Group L?
England are heavy favourites, and there is a very good chance that England will progress as winners. But to wager on those odds, bettors may want more reassurance. Thomas Tuchel has dropped star players in Phil Foden and Cole Palmer, and that could be a good choice. They’ve been underperforming - but that’s part of the problem. England’s good chances at this World Cup were built on Tuchel finding a way to bring top talent together. Instead, they’ve been sidelined.
Perhaps Jude Bellingham, Morgan Rogers, and Eberechi Eze will provide that creative spark in midfield and perform in a way that Palmer and Foden have failed to do. Bellingham is a superstar. Eze is a title winner with Arsenal. Rogers is a Europa League winner with Aston Villa and a rising star. But England lacks a midfield that has proven its worth consistently, and that’s a problem. Croatia could easily take this.
History of Clashes
Croatia and England have met only once this decade, with England winning 1-0 in the European Championship group stage in 2021. Before that, their last major clash was when Croatia upset England to win 2-1 at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Fans with longer memories may remember the sensational 3-2 victory Croatia scored over England at Wembley in 2007 to qualify for Euro 2008, with England being eliminated.
Conclusion - Who to Choose for Group L?
England are the bookies’ favourites, but for such short odds, it feels like a very risky bet. Croatia could easily take this group - it’s a very tough one to call.
