World Cup 2026: Ghana advance to Round of 32 despite defeat to Croatia

Croatia breathed life into their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign following a 2-1 victory against Ghana in the Group L decider at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Saturday.

Petar Sučić and Nikola Vlašić’s 83rd-minute header was enough to secure the win for Croatia, with Derrick Luckassen snatching a consolation for the Black Stars in the 73rd minute.

Carlos Queiroz made three changes from the England draw, handing starts to Derrick Luckassen, Kamaldeen Sulemana, and Elisha Owusu. Croatia opened the scoring in the 31st minute with a powerful low drive past Benjamin Asare. Ghana nearly equalised before the break, but Semenyo’s effort missed the post by inches.

Ghana found the equaliser twenty-two minutes after half-time through defender Derrick Luckassen. He connected with a well-delivered free kick to make it 1-1 in the 73rd minute.

Parity only lasted for 10 minutes as Ivan Perišić’s deep cross from the left found Nikola Vlašić unmarked at the back post, and the player headed past Asare in the 83rd minute to restore Croatia’s lead.

Ghana pressed for a late equaliser, with Antoine Semenyo forcing Dominik Livaković into a save in the 87th minute and Thomas Partey’s 25-yard drive going over the crossbar in stoppage time. Croatia defended well to hold on to their lead.

Ghana finished the group with 4 points after 1 win, 1 draw, and 1 loss, progressing to the round of 32. Croatia moved into second place.