Croatia vs Ghana | FIFA World Cup 2026 — Group Stage | Preview and Prediction

Both Croatia and Ghana are locked on three points each and have a very realistic chance of qualifying for the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

But with the way things are panning out with regard to the race to be one of the best third-placed teams, both sides will look for a victory to save themselves the trouble of relying on other results to seal qualification.

For this Group L game between Croatia and Ghana, here we present our preview and prediction.

FIFA WC26 | Group L: CRO vs GHA | 02:30 IST, 28 June 2026

Croatia bounced back from that 4–2 thumping against England with a very laboured and disjointed but important 1–0 victory against Panama, where they had to really earn their keep against what was a resilient and feisty performance by the Central American nation.

Croatia come into this game in far more urgent need of a victory than Ghana, given a draw will put them at the mercy of other results on account of their poor goal difference (-1). A win here remains a difficult ask, however, given how laboured and cumbersome they have looked in attack.

Against Panama, they surprisingly faced more shots on goal than they attempted at the other end, but they eventually found the goal they craved courtesy of Ante Budimir. For all the talent and experience they have in their ranks, the fact that they are yet to convert that into consistent and cohesive attacking performances has been a surprise.

Ghana, meanwhile, have been a beacon of resilience, with their defence almost impenetrable; they are one of the very few teams yet to concede a single goal in the tournament so far.

Under coach Carlos Queiroz, the Black Stars have embraced the defensive identity that is typical of the teams he has managed in the past. The best example of this was on display against England, whose much-vaunted attack they kept at bay without much trouble.

Ghana know that a draw will be more than enough to send them through, but despite that knowledge they will definitely look to push for the win so that they have a chance to top the group in case England drop points against Panama in the other game.

We believe that this game ends in a draw, with both sides eventually getting what they want and qualifying for the next round of the World Cup.

Score Prediction: Croatia 0–0 Ghana
Venue: Philadelphia Stadium, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA