Croatia Defeat Ghana: Croatia booked their place in the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after edging Ghana 2-1 in the decisive Group L encounter in Philadelphia on Saturday, June 27.
With England also taking on Panama in the group’s other fixture, both Croatia and Ghana knew the stakes heading into the contest.
The 2018 World Cup finalists required only a draw to progress, while Carlos Queiroz’s men needed a victory to leapfrog Zlatko Dalić’s men into the knockout stages.
The Croatia boss retained his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation but made a few adjustments to the side that defeated Panama, bringing Nikola Vlasic into midfield while leaving Josko Gvardiol among the substitutes.
Ghana, meanwhile, lined up with Accra Hearts of Oak’s Benjamin Asare in goal behind a defence of Jonas Adjetey, Gideon Mensah, Derrick Luckassen and Marvin Senaya.
Thomas Partey, Kwasi Sibo and Elisha Owusu formed the midfield trio, while Antoine Semenyo, Jordan Ayew and Kamaldeen Sulemana led the attack.
Croatia strike first after dominant opening half
The opening exchanges were cagey, with neither side creating a clear opportunity during the first 15 minutes.
Croatia gradually assumed control and nearly opened the scoring in the 17th minute when Martin Baturina teed up Vlasic, whose powerful effort from distance crashed against the upright.
Three minutes later, AC Milan’s Luka Modric delivered a dangerous free-kick into the penalty area, but Marin Pongračić headed over the bar.
The Croatian pressure continued as Vlašić sent another inviting cross into the box, only for Ghana goalkeeper Benjamin Asare to react quickly and claim the ball before Ante Budimir could pounce.
Budimir appealed for a penalty midway through the half after going down inside the area, but the referee dismissed the claims before a scheduled cooling break.
Croatia finally found the breakthrough in the 31st minute. Petar Sucic unleashed a superb strike from outside the penalty area that nestled into the bottom corner after being set up by Mateo Kovačić.
Petar Sucic goal in Croatia vs Ghana FIFA World Cup game pic.twitter.com/eie349TkMZ
— Daily Foot Vibes (@dailyfootvibes) June 27, 2026
The goal temporarily lifted Croatia to the top of Group L with England being held by Panama in the simultaneous fixture.
Modrić continued to dictate play, but Ghana nearly restored parity before halftime when Semenyo dragged an effort narrowly wide after finding space inside the Croatian penalty area.
Ghana fight back but Croatia deliver late winner
Carlos Queiroz responded by making two halftime substitutions, introducing Abdul Fatawu Issahaku and Kojo Oppong in an attempt to inject more attacking threat.
The changes almost paid off immediately. Fatawu cut inside from the right in the 47th minute before curling an ambitious effort just over the crossbar.
Three minutes later, he produced a dangerous low cross across the face of goal, but none of his teammates managed to apply the finishing touch.
Croatia then introduced Igor Matanović for Budimir before Ivan Perišić became the first player booked in the match.
Ghana’s persistence was rewarded in the 74th minute when Derrick Luckassen fired home from close range after a goalmouth scramble.
The effort was initially checked by VAR for a possible offside before the equaliser was confirmed, throwing the Ghanaians at the Philadelphia Stadium into a jubilant mood.
Ghana have their equalizer! 🇬🇭
VAR needed to take a look for offside, but Derrick Luckassen's finish stands! ⚽️pic.twitter.com/ROOycsfhb9
— Sleeper Football (@SleeperFooty) June 27, 2026
However, the parity and excitement lasted only nine minutes.
After Mario Pasalic replaced Kovacic and tested Asare with a fierce effort, Croatia regained the lead in the 83rd minute. Nikola Vlašić rose highest inside the penalty area to head Modrić’s cross into the bottom corner, restoring Croatia’s advantage.
A beautiful header from Nikola Vlašić to put Croatia back in front 🇭🇷 pic.twitter.com/vhn8FDwn4r
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 27, 2026
Dalić made further late substitutions to help protect the lead, introducing Gvardiol and Marco Pasalic as Croatia successfully saw out the remaining minutes.
Meanwhile, the victory secured second place in Group L for Croatia, setting up a Round of 32 clash against the runners-up from Group K, either Colombia or Portugal, in Toronto on July 2.
For Ghana, who knew they had nothing to lose heading into Saturday’s fixture, a Round of 32 meeting with either Portugal or Columbia await at Kansas City Stadium on July 3.
Editor’s note: Gariba Raubil filed this report from Philadelphia Stadium, as he continues his on-the-ground coverage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States for Ghana Sports Market.
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