Croatia secured their place in the World Cup knockout stages with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Ghana at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Saturday, though both sides ultimately advanced from Group L.
The result, combined with England’s 2-0 win over Panama, saw Croatia finish second in the group with six points — level with group winners England on goal difference — while Ghana progressed as one of the best third-placed tea
Sucic breaks the deadlock
The deadlock was broken in the 31st minute when Petar Sucic fired Croatia into the lead with a stunning strike from outside the box. The midfielder, left with time and space around 25 yards from goal, arrowed a right-footed shot into the bottom left corner beyond Ghana goalkeeper Benjamin Asare.
It came after Nikola Vlasic had earlier struck the post in the 17th minute following a fast break, and Ivan Perisic saw a header saved by Asare moments before the opener.
Ghana, who had already secured their knockout berth before kickoff following other results, offered little in attack during the first half. The Black Stars were yet to register a single shot on goal in the first half of any match at this World Cup, and their first attempt of the game came only after Croatia’s opener.
Luckassen levels after VAR drama
Ghana grew into the contest after the break and drew level in the 73rd minute. Derrick Luckassen turned home from close range after Ernest Nuamah delivered a cross following a set-piece situation.
The goal was subject to a VAR review for a possible offside, with Ghana’s Kwasi Sibo lingering in an offside position. However, the referee ruled that Sibo did not impact play and the goal stood.
The equaliser briefly lifted Ghana into second place in the group, leaving Croatia facing the prospect of an early exit.
Vlasic restores the lead
But Croatia, who needed a win to guarantee progression, responded with purpose. In the 83rd minute, veteran captain Luka Modric — making his 200th appearance for the national team — delivered a pinpoint corner into the box, and Nikola Vlasic rose to head home and restore Croatia’s lead.
The goal came moments after Asare had produced a fine save to deny Mario Pašalić, but the Ghana keeper could do nothing to stop Vlasic’s powerful header from the resulting corner.
A cagey affair in Philadelphia
Croatia dominated possession throughout, with Ghana content to sit deep and absorb pressure — a strategy that had served them well in their goalless draw against England earlier in the week.
Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz’s conservative approach drew criticism from some observers, with the Black Stars seemingly prioritising defensive solidity over attacking ambition. Their expected goals (xG) stood at just 0.02 in the first half.
American singer-songwriter Noah Kahan, fresh off a sold-out concert across the street at Citizens Bank Park, was among the spectators at Lincoln Financial Field.
What it means for both sides
Croatia finish second in Group L with six points, their third consecutive World Cup knockout appearance. England top the group after their 2-0 victory over Panama, with goals from Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane.
Ghana progress as one of the best third-placed teams — their first knockout-stage appearance since 2010. The Black Stars opened their campaign with a dramatic 1-0 win over Panama courtesy of Caleb Yirenki’s stoppage-time strike, before holding England to a goalless draw in Boston.
Panama, meanwhile, finish the tournament as the only team without a goal, having had a late strike ruled out for offside in their defeat to England.
Both Croatia and Ghana will now wait to discover their last-32 opponents when the group stage concludes.
Croatia 2-1 Ghana | Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia | Group L, FIFA World Cup 2026
Scorers: Petar Sucic (31′), Nikola Vlasic (83′) — Derrick Luckassen (73′)
