- Croatia vs Ghana: Croats edge out Ghana 2-1 to finish as Group L runners-up with six points.
- Croatia finished behind England, who topped the group with seven points, while Ghana placed third on four points.
- Despite the defeat, both Croatia and Ghana secured qualification to the World Cup knockout stage.
Croatia edged out Ghana 2-1 in Philadelphia on Sundayin a pulsating clash to finish as Group L runners-up and confirm their place in the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Ghana had already booked their place in the knockout stage and came into this clash needing all three points to either leapfrog England, who beat Panama 2-0, or secure second place on seven points after defeating Panama and drawing with England.
However, Croatia, who were projected to finish as one of the best third-placed teams after losing to England and beating Panama, snatched second place and pushed Ghana into third, where they could potentially face Colombia or Portugal in the Round of 32.
Croatia registered the first real chance of the match in the 16th minute when they launched a swift attack from midfield.
Ante Budimir drove forward before slipping a pass to Nikola Vlasic, who received the ball on the edge of the box and fired a low effort towards the bottom corner, only to see it clip the outside of the post and roll wide as the contest remained a cagey affair.
Just after the half-hour mark, the Croats finally found the breakthrough after a lengthy search for the opener.
The move started with Mateo Kovacic switching play from the left to Petar Sucic, who, from nearly 30 yards out, unleashed a powerful low strike that flew into the bottom-left corner to hand Croatia the lead.
Ghana came out stronger in the second half and created several promising opportunities, but luck was not on their side. Antoine Semenyo squandered a couple of good chances, while Croatia continued to intercept their passes in the final third.
Shortly after the hydration break, the Black Stars needed only a few minutes to restore parity with a well-worked set piece.
Ghana won a free kick on the edge of the penalty area, and Ernest Nuamah delivered an inviting cross that Derrick Luckassen met with a composed side-footed finish to level the score.The goal underwent a lengthy three-minute VAR review before it was eventually awarded.
However, Ghana’s celebrations were short-lived as Croatia regained the lead just ten minutes later.
Modric whipped in an excellent corner from the left, and Vlasic rose highest between the Ghana defenders to power a header straight into the net, restoring Croatia’s advantage.
Although Ghana pushed forward in search of another equaliser, Croatia stood firm to secure all three points as both sides progressed to the knockout stage.
Croatia vs Ghana – FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L Lineups (June 28, 2026)
- Croatia Starting XI: Dominik Livakovic, Josip Stanisic, Josip Sutalo, Marin Pongracic, Ivan Perisic, Mateo Kovacic, Luka Modric, Nikola Vlasic, Petar Sucic, Martin Baturina, Ante Budimir.
- Ghana Starting XI: Benjamin Asare, Marvin Senaya, Jonas Adjetey, Derrick Luckassen, Gideon Mensah, Thomas Partey, Elisha Owusu, Kwasi Sibo, Antoine Semenyo, Jordan Ayew, Kamaldeen Sulemana.
Read more about other World Cup teams in 2026 below:
Morocco national football team 2026
Argentina national football team 2026
Mexico national football team 2026
Spain national football team 2026
Brazil national football team 2026
France national football team 2026
Senegal national football team 2026