A spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout round is at stake when Croatia and Ghana lock horns in their final group game early Sunday morning in Philadelphia.
Croatia are fresh off a crucial 1-0 win against Panama and remain in third place in Group L with three points, while Ghana are in second place with four – level with leaders England.
Ante Budimir scored the only goal in the 54th minute to restore Croatian hopes after an opening day defeat to England. He will hope to inspire his side as they go up against a Ghana side who are still unbeaten in the tournament.
The Black Stars put on an impressive defensive display to frustrate star-studded England in a barren draw in their last match. A point here against Croatia will be enough to guarantee a spot in the round of 32.
Ghana were eliminated in Group stage in 2014 and most recently in 2022, but they failed to qualify for the AFCON. They face a Croatia side who finished in third place at the Qatar 2022 edition of the World Cup.
Croatia also made it to the 2018 World Cup final where they lost to eventual winners France. Their recent impressive displays at the global showpiece has made them a force to reckon with and Ghana should be on high alert here.
With three semi-final appearances in their last six World Cups, Croatia have a slight advantage heading into this decisive fixture. Can the Black Stars shine and avoid defeat here once again?
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We have a look at both sides ahead of the match and offer our predicted outcome.
What time does Croatia vs Ghana start?
The game kicks off at 12AM E.A.T at the Lincoln Financial Field
Croatia vs Ghana team news
Zlatko Dalic is expected to field his strongest and most experienced XI as they seek to avoid an early exit. Veteran Luka Modric has been key and will continue to captain the side.
Josko Gvardiol was instrumental against Panama and he will start at the heart of their defense as well as Marin Pongracic and Josip Stanisic.
Goalscorer Budimir came off at halftime against Panama, but his heroics could be enough to break into the starting lineup, with Petar Musa relegated to the bench.
For the Ghanaians, captain Jordan Ayew suffered a minor blow to the head in the game against England but he is available to lead his nation here.
Man City forward Antoine Semenyo has not yet gotten off the mark but has been a key figure in the Ghanaian attack. He will retain his starting role alongside Caleb Yirenkyi, who scored the winner against Panama.
After such brilliant defensive displays, head coach Carlos Queiroz is not expected to make any changes to his side.
Croatia vs Ghana head-to-head and current form
Dalic’s side have won two and lost three of their last five matches. They have conceded 12 goals in that run, and will need to do something to change that if they are to give their opponents a run for their money.
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Ghana bring a three-game unbeaten run into the match, winning once and sharing the spoils in the remaining two. The Black Stars have also lost twice in their last five matches.
This will be the first ever match played between these two nations.
Current form:
Croatia – WLWLL
Ghana – DWDLL
Croatia vs Ghana prediction
With what is at stake for both nations, this is expected to be a very tense and tactical match with two coaches who are no strangers to the global stage pressure.
Ghana only need a draw to qualify and with their recent defensive prowess, they carry a slight advantage despite Croatia’s recent success in the competition.
Prediction – Ghana to win or draw (X2) – CLICK HERE TO PLACE YOUR BET ON THIS GAME!