Croatia and Ghana face off in Group L on Saturday at 10pm (UK time) hoping to reach the 2026 World Cup knockout stages.
Ghana go into the game with the upperhand, only needing a point to be guaranteed of their spot in the knockout stages. The Black Stars currently sit second in the group on four points, only trailling leaders England on goal difference. They opened their World Cup with a narrow 1-0 win over Panama, scoring a winner deep into injury-time. Ghana followed that up with a hard-earned goalless draw against England, putting them on the brink. Qualification should be secured even if Ghana lose here, with four points expected to be enough to be one of the best third-placed sides. But Ghana will want to end the group on a high, and finish at least second.
Croatia are a bit more at risk, but still have a very good chance of reaching the knockout stages. They got off to a bad start in losing 4-2 to England, a game many expected would decide top spot in Group L. Croatia bounced back to pick up their first victory last time out, a slender 1-0 win over Panama. It leaves them third on three points, with their fate still in their own hands. A win here would see Croatia qualify for the knockout stages, in one of the guaranteed spots. A draw is also expected to be enough, leaving them on four points. Croatia may even scrape through with a narrow defeat as things stand, but they won’t want to take that risk.
This will be the first-ever meeting between these two sides.
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Croatia vs Ghana team news
Croatia team news
Ante Budimir will be eyeing up a start for Croatia at the front of their attack after he came off the bench to score the only goal against Panama. Petar Musa has led the line for Croatia in their two matches so far, but he may make way for the goalscorer. The makeup of the rest of the attack will depend on the system Zlatko Dalic uses. He switched to a 4-2-3-1 against Panama, having more success than in their opener so may stick with it.
Marko Pasalic is expected to continue on the right side of the attack, playing ahead of the unrelated Mario Palasic. Ivan Perisic should continue on the left, with Martin Baturina at No.10. Mateo Kovacic joined Luka Modric at the base of the midfield, replacing Petar Sucic. And that pairing is likely to start once more.
Josko Gvardiol came under fire for his performance against Panama, but he’s unlikely to lose his spot in the team. Josip Sutalo and Marin Pongracic are expected to continue as the centre-back pairing, with Luka Vuskovic dropping out after the first game. Josip Stanisic should continue at right-back, with Dominik Livakovic in goal.
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Ghana team news
Carlos Queiroz may name an unchanged XI from the team that started the draw with England last time out. Ghana only need a point from this match, and defended exceptionally well against the Three Lions, while having a few chances themselves. Jordan Ayew is expected to lead the line as Ghana captain, despite some criticism of his performances. He did pick up a head injury against England, but was able to play on so will be fine to play.
Antoine Semenyo and Inaki Williams are set to provide support from the flanks. Thomas Partey will continue at the base of the midfield, joined by Caleb Yirenkyi and Kwasi Sibo.
The back four should remain unchanged too. Jerome Opuku and Jonas Adjetey are the solid centre-back pairing protecting the goalkeeper, with Gideon Mensah and Marvin Senaya as the full-backs. Benjamin Asare should continue in goal after his excellent performance against England, deputising for the injured Lawrence Ati-Zigi.
Croatia vs Ghana predicted lineups
Croatia (4-2-3-1): Livakovic; Stanisic, Pongracic, Sutalo, Gvardiol; Kovacic, Modric; Marco Pasalic, Baturina, Perisic; Budimir.
Ghana (4-1-4-1): Asare; Senaya, Adjetey, Opuku, Mensah; Partey; Williams, Yirenkyi, Sibo, Semenyo; Ayew.
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