FIFA Rule Change Knocks England’s Next Opponents Out of World Cup

England will face a Panama side already eliminated from the 2026 World Cup when the countries meet in their final Group L match on June 27. Panama’s exit was confirmed after Croatia defeated them 1-0 in Toronto.

However, two defeats alone did not fully explain their elimination. FIFA’s decision to prioritise head-to-head results over overall goal difference closed the last route that might previously have kept Panama alive.