Croatia vs Ghana
Lincoln Financial Field
D. Fischer
2026
Match Report
Croatia edged past Ghana 2-1 in a tense Group L finale at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, with Nikola Vlašić's late header proving the decisive blow.
Petar Sučić opened the scoring in the 31st minute with a precise long-range strike, set up by Mateo Kovačić. Ghana pulled level through Derrick Luckassen in the 73rd minute — a goal that stood only after a VAR review. Just ten minutes later, Vlašić headed home from a Luka Modrić corner to restore Croatia's lead. Ivan Perišić had already picked up a yellow card in the 68th minute, and Ghana's Oppong was booked in stoppage time — but no red cards or penalties disrupted the flow.
The win sends Croatia through as Group L runners-up, while Ghana — already qualified before kick-off — finish third in the group but also advance to the round of 32. Both nations head into the knockout stage, though Croatia's late resilience will give them plenty of confidence.
Match Events
Statistics
53%Possession47%
8Shots6
4Shots on Target1
3Corners2
9Fouls13
1Offsides2
1Yellow Cards1
523Passes455
0Saves2
Head to Head
1
Croatia wins
0
Draws
0
Ghana wins
Goals: 2 - 1

