2026 World Cup: Croatia vs. Ghana, Probable Lineups

At Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia—renamed Philadelphia Stadium for marketing purposes ahead of the 2026 World Cup—one of the final two Group L matches is taking place: Croatia vs. Ghana. It’s a do-or-die match for the Balkan side, which needs at least one point to secure a spot in the next round, while the African Black Stars are in a more comfortable position, having already secured their place in the Round of 16. The winning team could even finish first in the group, but that would require England to lose to Panama in their simultaneous match.

Croatia has yet to impress fans and experts alike: defeated 4-2 by England on the first matchday (goals by Baturina and Musa weren’t enough to counter those by Kane, who scored a brace, Bellingham, and Rashford), the red-and-white checkered squad narrowly defeated Panama 1-0, led by a goal from former Crotone and Sampdoria player Ante Budimir. It will be crucial for Modric and his teammates not to lose: a defeat—especially by a large margin—could cost them a spot in the next round.

Ghana, for its part, has so far lived up to expectations, confirming the quality of African soccer in a World Cup where, so far, Tunisia is the only CAF team to have disappointed. After a 1-0 win over Panama thanks to Yirenki’s 95th-minute goal, Coach Queiroz’s men held England to a 0-0 draw in a match where the feared Three Lions barely posed any real threat, except for a late chance squandered by Kane. Qualification is already assured; it remains to be seen in what position.

Probable lineups

CROATIA (4-2-3-1): Livakovic; Stanisic, Sutalo, Pongracic, Gvardiol; Modric, Kovacic; Marco Pasalic, Baturina, Perisic; Budimir. Head Coach: Dalic.

GHANA (4-3-3): Asare; Senaya, Adjetey, Opoku, Mensah; Yirenkyi, Partey, Sibo; Williams, Ayew, Semenyo. Head Coach: Queiroz.