Croatia secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Ghana in their final Group L match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, booking their place in the Round of 32 after an intense contest in Philadelphia.
Croatia took the lead in the 31st minute when Petar Sučić unleashed a powerful strike from well over 30 yards out that beat the Ghanaian goalkeeper, Benjamin Asare, giving the Vatreni a halftime advantage they had to work hard to protect.
The Black Stars came back strongly in the second half and found a deserved equaliser in the 73rd minute through Derrick Luckassen, who volleyed home from an Ernest Nuamah free-kick. The goal was confirmed after a lengthy VAR review into a potential foul in the build-up, giving Ghana renewed hope of finishing the group in second place.
Ibrahim Mahama Eyes A World Class Stadium For Ghana
However, Croatia’s veteran midfielder Luka Modrić delivered an incredible outswinging corner in the 83rd minute, and Nikola Vlašić — who started the match alongside fellow new faces Sučić and Ante Budimir — rose highest to head home the winning goal, sending Croatia through as Group L runners-up behind England. The assist also made the 40-year-old Modrić, playing his 200th international appearance, the oldest player on record to register a World Cup assist.
Despite the defeat, Ghana also advanced to the Round of 32 by finishing third in the group, keeping their World Cup dream alive and confirming Scotland’s elimination from the tournament in the process. Croatia will face Portugal in Toronto in the next round, while Ghana takes on Colombia.