Croatia booked their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Ghana in Philadelphia, sealing second place in Group L.
Zlatko Dalic’s side will now face Portugal in Toronto on July 3, while Ghana progresses as one of the best third-placed teams and is set to meet Colombia in the knockout stage.
With both teams aware that a draw would likely be enough to secure qualification, the opening stages were cautious and lacking in attacking intent. Neither side managed a shot or even a touch inside the opposition’s penalty area during the opening 15 minutes.
Croatia eventually threatened through Nikola Vlasic, whose effort drifted narrowly wide, before the 2018 runners-up found the breakthrough in the 33rd minute.
Petar Sucic was afforded far too much space nearly 35 yards from goal, and the midfielder made Ghana pay, driving a low effort into the bottom-left corner to hand Croatia the lead.
At that stage, Croatia were temporarily on course to top Group L as England remained level against Panama in the other group fixture.
However, England’s eventual victory saw the Croatians slip behind the Three Lions, while Ghana briefly climbed above them after Derrick Luckassen equalised 17 minutes from time. The defender, brother of Netherlands forward Brian Brobbey, bundled home after a crowded set-piece situation, with the goal eventually awarded following a lengthy VAR review.
Croatia responded quickly to restore its advantage and secure all three points. Veteran captain Luka Modric delivered an inviting corner that found Vlasic, who escaped his marker and powered a header in off the inside of the post.
The victory ensured Croatia finished as Group L runners-up, while Ghana’s four-point tally was enough to send the Black Stars through as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.
For Croatia, attention now turns to a heavyweight Round of 32 showdown against Portugal, while Ghana prepares for a difficult test against Colombia as both nations continue their World Cup journeys.
