Croatia vs Ghana Betting Odds, Lineups, Prediction & Best Bets

Croatia vs Ghana Match Summary

This is the Group L finale, and both Croatia and Ghana arrive in Philadelphia knowing a result here shapes how, and in what position, they walk into the knockout rounds.

Croatia, the 2018 World Cup runners-up, sit third in Group L with three points after rebounding from an opening defeat to England with a hard-earned win over Panama.

Ghana hold second place on four points, riding a stingy backline that has already produced a shutout against England and left the Black Stars on the brink of the last 32.

This is the first-ever meeting between the senior national teams of Croatia and Ghana, with both squads chasing the points that lock up their route forward.

Croatia vs Ghana Form

Croatia haven't hit top gear yet. After a 4–2 loss to England on June 17, they steadied with a 1–0 win over Panama on June 23, sealed by Ante Budimir's 54th-minute strike. The win delivered a clean sheet and put the experienced squad on course for the knockouts. Captain Luka Modric, anchoring the midfield, remains the heartbeat of this team.

Ghana have been the story of defensive grit. Caleb Yirenkyi's 95th-minute winner beat Panama 1–0 on June 18, and the Black Stars followed with a disciplined 0–0 draw against England in Boston on June 23 — a second straight shutout. Carlos Queiroz's side rides that resolve, with Thomas Partey adding steel in midfield, into this finale.

Croatia vs Ghana Lineups & Team News

Injuries & Suspensions

Croatia: None reported

Ghana: Lawrence Ati-Zigi (Injured/out)

Croatia

Croatia are likely to name the same team that beat Panama. Striker Andrej Kramaric is pushing to make his first start of the tournament, while young Tottenham defender Luka Vuskovic looks set to settle for a place on the bench again after Croatia kept a clean sheet in his absence.

Ghana

Goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi has been ruled out of the rest of the World Cup with a groin injury, so Benjamin Asare — who kept a shutout against England — continues between the posts. Leicester's Abdul Fatawu has come off the bench in both games and is targeting his first start of the tournament.

Croatia vs Ghana Predicted Lineup

Croatia

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Predicted Starting Lineup: D. Livakovic; J. Stanisic, J. Sutalo, M. Pongracic, J. Gvardiol; L. Modric, M. Kovacic; M. Pasalic, M. Baturina, I. Perisic; P. Musa

Ghana

Formation: 4-1-4-1

Predicted Starting Lineup: B. Asare; G. Mensah, J. Opoku, J. Adjetey, M. Senaya; T. Partey; A. Semenyo, K. Sibo, C. Yirenkyi, A. Fatawu; I. Williams

Croatia vs Ghana Key Stats & Match Facts

• This is the first-ever meeting between the senior national teams of Croatia and Ghana.
• Croatia's 1–0 win over Panama on June 23 was their first shutout in eight international matches.
• Ghana have kept back-to-back clean sheets, drawing England 0–0 after edging Panama 1–0.
• Croatia are aiming to reach the World Cup knockout stages for a third consecutive tournament.
• The match is played at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Croatia vs Ghana Talking Points

The stakes are simple but charged. Croatia know a draw is almost certain to send them through as one of the best third-place teams, but a win could lift them to second. For Ghana, avoiding defeat seals their first knockout berth in 16 years — and even a loss is likely to be enough. That math sets up a tense, low-margin finale. Croatia lean on history and experience, headlined by Luka Modric, who picked up his 200th senior cap against Panama. Ghana counter with the grit of head coach Carlos Queiroz's side and the return of Thomas Partey, who came back against England after travel and visa issues kept him out of the opener. Expect a tight, controlled game where one moment decides everything.

Croatia vs Ghana Predictions FAQs

When is the Croatia vs Ghana World Cup 2026 game?

The World Cup 2026 match between Croatia and Ghana is scheduled for Saturday, June 27, 2026, with kickoff at 5:00 p.m. ET.

Where can I watch Croatia vs Ghana?

You can watch the match live on official World Cup broadcast partners and designated streaming services.

What is the Croatia vs Ghana prediction?

Croatia's tournament experience gives them an edge, but Ghana's athletic squad is capable of securing a competitive draw in this matchup.

Where is the Croatia vs Ghana match being played?

The match will take place at one of the official host stadiums for the World Cup 2026 tournament.

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