2026 FIFA World Cup: Group L – Croatia vs Ghana

Croatia meet Ghana in a defining Group L showdown at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Victory would see Croatia leapfrog Ghana into the top two but they would only win the group if England fail to beat Panama.

Ghana will finish second if they avoid defeat and England at least match or better their result, although they can top the group if any of the three scenarios unfold;

• Ghana beat Croatia and England don’t win against Panama.
• Ghana and England both win their games but Ghana manage to achieve a better overall goal difference, but if the goal difference is equal then it comes down to goals scored then potentially Fair Play ranking.
• Ghana draw against Croatia and England suffer defeat to Panama.

 

Team News

Croatia have no fresh injury concerns to report following their 1-0 victory over Panama.

Ghana too have no fresh injury concerns to report following their 0-0 draw against England.

 

When is Kick-Off?

Croatia meet Ghana at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, USA, on Saturday 27 June at 5pm EDT (10pm BST), live on ITV4 and ITVX in the UK.

 

Stat Attack

• This is Croatia’s first World Cup meeting against Ghana.
• Ghana have never previously met Croatia in all competitions.
• Croatia goalkeeper, Dominik Livakovic has saved eight of 12 shots on target against his goal.
• No Ghana player has won more tackles in their first two group matches than Marvin Senaya (8).

 

Prediction

Knowing that a win would see them qualify automatically but a draw would probably be enough to advance via the third-placed route, Croatia have to feel confident that they can get something after they clinically edged past a resilient Panama defence which stands them well here.

Ghana though have their fate in their own hands and if they play with the same defensive discipline which frustrated England, I can see them giving Croatia a difficult test but they will probably have to show a polished end product given that Croatia have plenty of goal threats.

I honestly expect this to be tight given the circumstances and high stakes involved and a draw feels an easy call.

Prediction: Croatia 1-1 Ghana

Result: Croatia 2-1 Ghana