Croatia defeated Ghana 2-1 in their final Group L match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on June 27, 2026, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. The result allowed Croatia to advance to the Round of 32 as group runners-up behind England, while Ghana finished third — though both sides ultimately progressed to the knockout stage.
Luka Modrić played a pivotal role in securing the win, delivering the precise outswinging corner that Nikola Vlašić headed home for the decisive 83rd-minute goal. At 40 years old, the Croatian captain became the oldest player to record a World Cup assist since records began in 1966.
Modrić played the full 90 minutes, contributing defensively with key tackles and blocks deep into the closing stages, and was widely praised afterward for a performance many described as his best of the tournament.
Croatia controlled large stretches of the match but were forced to respond after Ghana drew level through Derrick Luckassen’s 73rd-minute equaliser, which followed a lengthy VAR review.
Goalkeeper Dominik Livaković and a resolute Croatian backline held firm under pressure, while Ghana continued to pose a threat on the counter-attack, with Antoine Semenyo among those causing problems going forward.
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Modrić’s influence on the game went beyond the assist itself. Teammates and analysts alike noted that he appeared to have “turned back time,” covering ground relentlessly and steering his side through a high-stakes encounter despite his advancing years. The performance came on the back of his 200th international cap, extending an already storied career that many believe could be drawing toward its conclusion.
For some, Saturday’s display in Philadelphia stood as one of the most compelling arguments yet that Modrić remains capable of decisive contributions on football’s biggest stage — even as he approaches his fifth World Cup appearance.
The result confirmed Croatia’s progression as runners-up, while Ghana — who had been well-placed for a higher finish — dropped to third. Both teams advanced to the Round of 32, with Croatia set to face Portugal in Toronto and Ghana taking on Colombia in the next round.