LIVE UPDATES: Croatia vs Ghana World Cup 2026 – Follow all the action, goals and celebrations

Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz has made three alterations to his starting line-up for the Black Stars’ decisive Group L clash against Croatia.

Derrick Luckassen, Kamal Deen Sulemana and Elisha Owusu have all been handed starting roles, replacing Jerome Opoku, Inaki Williams and Caleb Yirenkyi for the must-win encounter.

Head-to-Head History

Croatia and Ghana have never previously met in a senior international match, making this Group L encounter in Philadelphia their first-ever meeting. The Europeans, however, boast an impressive World Cup record against African opposition, remaining unbeaten in four such matches (three wins and one draw) since making their tournament debut in 1998.

The Vatreni arrive knowing that only victory guarantees their place in the Round of 32, while Ghana could progress with a draw depending on the outcome of England’s simultaneous clash with Panama. Both nations also retain an outside chance of topping the group.

Croatia recovered from a heavy 4-2 defeat to England by edging Panama 1-0 on matchday two, with veteran striker Ante Budimir scoring the decisive goal. It was also a landmark evening for captain Luka Modrić, who celebrated his 200th international appearance with a crucial victory.

However, Zlatko Dalić’s side have looked vulnerable defensively, conceding four goals in their opening match and relying heavily on the experience of 40-year-old Modrić and 37-year-old Ivan Perišić. The Croatians have managed just one win in their last three internationals and cannot afford another slip-up.

Ghana, meanwhile, head into the contest unbeaten after beginning their campaign with a 1-0 victory over Panama before earning an impressive goalless draw against England in Boston. The Black Stars remain one of only a handful of teams yet to concede a goal at the tournament.

Carlos Queiroz has transformed Ghana into one of the competition’s most disciplined defensive units, although attacking output remains a concern. The Black Stars have scored only once in two matches and are still searching for their first shot on target in the opening half of a game at this World Cup.

A draw would likely be enough to send Ghana into the knockout rounds for the first time since their historic quarter-final run in 2010, while victory could even see them finish top of Group L if England fail to beat Panama.

Match News and Current Form

Croatia enter this decisive showdown needing a win to keep their World Cup hopes firmly in their own hands, while Ghana are targeting a return to the knockout stages after a 16-year wait.

Match venue: Lincoln Financial Field. Capacity: 69879

Welcome to Africasoccer’s live coverage of the World Cup 2026 Group L encounter between Croatia and Ghana in Philadelphia.