We’re into the second week of the
World Cup, and every team has played at least once (some twice). While the opening round of fixtures was disappointing for African teams (20% win rate - P10 W2), the second has seen a marked improvement (33% win rate - P6 W2 so far). Three of Africa’s wins have followed the pre-match predictions, Ghana v Panama, Egypt v New Zealand, Morocco v Scotland. Only Ivory Coast’s 1-0 win over Ecuador flipped the odds. Of the remaining Matchday 2 games, Ghana v England carries the longest odds for an African victory. In our Big Game Numbers preview, we look at the numbers behind Ghana’s clash with England.
Key stats:
- Ghana have a solid Matchday 2 record
- England have a near-flawless history against African teams
- England are heavily favoured to win (83% implied probability by the odds)
- Ghana are still favoured to progress into the next round
Ghana’s positive start
After kicking off their 2026 campaign with a 1-0 win, Ghana will face England in Group L. The victory over Panama came very late (95th minute winner), but it reflects their tendency for second-half goals. In the five games Ghana have played in 2026, they’ve scored four goals, with all four coming in the second-half. The win over Panama has boosted their progression chances (49.5% pre-tournament to 75.2% now).
But Tuesday will present a far tougher test.
Ghana’s toughest test
Ghana come into this as underdogs, but boast a solid Matchday 2 record at the World Cup. The Black Stars have never lost their second group game in four previous editions, drawing two (2010 v Australia, 2014 v Germany) and winning the other two (2006 v Czechia, 2022 v South Korea).
The disparity comes when you consider their record against European teams. Ghana are winless in their last four games against European teams, albeit those games were against top sides Germany and Portugal (two each).
*Pre-tournament
England flawed but potent
As for England, some rare defensive flaws were on display against Croatia in their opener. Yet, they remain overwhelming favourites to progress, and win the group, with their qualification probability rising from 96.1% pre-tournament to 99.5%.
In Harry Kane, they have arguably the best striker in the world. He is now England’s joint-top World Cup scorer (level with Gary Lineker), and needs one more to move clear. Kane is the obvious danger - leading an attack that had the second-most shots on target (11) across all Matchday 1 games (Germany 12).
Head-to-head - England’s impressive record v African teams
Tuesday’s meeting will be the first between England and Ghana in the World Cup, and their first in over 15 years. The only previous encounter was a 1-1 friendly draw in March 2011. Fittingly, it took another second half goal to earn the draw, with Asamoah Gyan netting a 90th minute equaliser.
That said, England are a familiar foe for African teams at the tournament.This is the ninth meeting between the Three Lions and African opposition. No nation has faced African teams more (Brazil also 9). Thus, England has the longest unbeaten run of any nation against African teams.
England are favourites for many reasons, not least because they are on a 12-game winning run in competitive matches. It’s hard to look past an English win, but things could be closer than the odds suggest.
Key bets
- England to win at 12/10
- Harry Kane to score at 17/1
- Harry Kane to take 3+ shots on target at 23/1
- Ghana to score at least once in the second half at 33/10
Bet on the 2026 World Cup with Betway
Sign up at Betway and enjoy solid action and heart-racing thrills when you bet on soccer leagues such as the World Cup, English Premier League, the Italian Serie A, the Spanish La Liga and many more.
Join our Telegram Channel
Get way more with Betway. Enjoy the thrill of sports betting, casino games, and more. Join our community for tips, bonuses, and exciting offers. #BetwaySquad
For all the latest sports news, betting tips and promotions, follow Betway on Facebook, Twitter, Telegram, Instagram, Google+ and YouTube. Download the Betway App.