2026 World Cup: Croatia advances to the last 32 after beating Ghana 2-1

JAKARTA - The Croatian national team ensured their place in the 2026 World Cup 32-team round after defeating Ghana with a score of 2-1 in the last match of Group L at the Philadelphia Stadium, USA on Sunday WIB.

Nikola Vlasic became the determinant of Vatreni's victory through his goal in the final minutes of the match.

Croatia opened the scoring in the 31st minute through a hard shot by Petar Sucic from outside the penalty area after receiving a pass from Mateo Kovacic. The score became 1-0.

The advantage lasted until halftime even though Ghana had a threat through Antoine Semenyo.

Entering the second half, Ghana increased the intensity of the attack after coach Carlos Queiroz made two substitutions at once.

The pressure finally bore fruit in the 73rd minute when Derrick Luckassen headed the ball from Ernest Nuamah's free kick. The goal was initially ruled offside, but the referee confirmed it after a VAR check and changed the score to 1-1.

When the match was expected to end in a draw, Croatia took the lead again in the 83rd minute. Starting from Luka Modric's corner, Nikola Vlasic won the aerial duel and headed the ball which had hit the post before nestling in Benjamin Asare's goal.

In the rest of the match, Ghana continued to press to find the equalizer. However, the Croatian defense was disciplined until the final whistle was blown, ensuring a 2-1 victory and a ticket to the knockout phase.

This result brings Croatia to finish as runners-up in Group L with six points from three matches, as well as ensuring qualification for the last 32.

Meanwhile, Ghana will have to wait for the results of the other group to find out if they still have a chance to advance through the best third-ranked path.

The line-up

Croatia: Dominik Livakovic; Josip Stanisic, Josip Sutalo, Marin Pongracic, Ivan Perisic; Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic (Mario Pasalic 78'); Nikola Vlasic (Josko Gvardiol 88'), Petar Sucic, Martin Baturina (Marco Pasalic 88'); Ante Budimir (Igor Matanovic 66').

Ghana: Benjamin Asare; Marvin Senaya, Jonas Adjetey (Kojo Peprah Oppong 46'), Derrick Luckassen, Gideon Mensah; Kwasi Sibo (Caleb Yirenkyi 85'); Elisha Owusu (Abdul Fatawu 46'), Thomas Partey; Kamaldeen Sulemana (Ernest Nuamah 71'), Jordan Ayew (Brandon Thomas-Asante 71'), Antoine Semenyo.