Ghana suffered a 2-1 defeat to Croatia in their final Group L fixture, but the Black Stars now look forward to facing Colombia in the round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup.
The result, played at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, on 27 June 2026, saw Ghana finish the group in third position after already securing their place in the knockout stages before kick-off.
Croatia took the lead in the 31st minute through Petar Sucic, who whizzed a fine strike through defensive legs and beyond Asare to catch the goalkeeper unaware. Ghana struggled to find rhythm in a subdued opening period but emerged with greater intent after the interval.
Derrick Luckassen, brother of Netherlands forward Brian Brobbey, levelled for Ghana in the 73rd minute, finishing from an Ernest Nuamah free-kick delivery, with the goal confirmed after a lengthy VAR review. The equaliser brought wild celebrations among Ghanaian supporters inside the stadium, with the Black Stars briefly on course to finish second in the group.
Croatia responded seven minutes from time, however, as Nikola Vlasic headed home from a Luka Modric corner to restore their advantage and seal victory.
Speaking after the match, Ghana forward Brandon Thomas-Asante reflected on the missed opportunity to win the group outright. “We knew that there was the opportunity to win the group. That was our intention, our ambition, and there was the possibility. So, of course, it was disappointing. We haven’t done that, but we have to take the positive and we’re into the next round. We want to go as far as we can in the tournament,” he said.
Ghana will now turn their attention to a round of 32 meeting with Colombia, as they bid to extend their best World Cup run since reaching the quarter-finals in 2010. Croatia, meanwhile, advance to face Portugal in Toronto on 3 July.
