Separated by just one place and one point in the World Cup 2026 Group L standings, Croatia and Ghana do battle in a winner-takes-all encounter at Lincoln Financial Field on Saturday.
The Black Stars will ensure a last-32 spot if they avoid defeat, but nothing but three points will do for the Chequered Ones if they do not wish to endure a nervous third-placed wait.
Ghana
Coincidentally, Ghana’s quest for consecutive World Cup wins has continued after their 0-0 draw with England on Tuesday, but the Black Stars understandably celebrated that stalemate as if they had gained two more points.
Despite giving up 78.8% of the ball to Thomas Tuchel’s side, Ghana’s dogged defending – hailed as some of the best he had ever seen by the England manager – came to the fore, and they could feel aggrieved at not being awarded a spot kick when Ezri Konsa went flying in on Prince Kwabena Adu.
Still only trailing England on goal difference, Ghana can once again afford to play for a draw and advance to the World Cup knockouts, a stage they have not reached since their historic run to the quarter-finals in 2010.
Goalkeeping quandary
Ghana manager Carlos Queiroz could face a goalkeeping quandary for Saturday’s World Cup 2026 Group L finale with Croatia at Lincoln Financial Field.
The Black Stars sit second in the group with four points, one clear of the 2018 runners-up, meaning that a draw will send them through to the last 32 of the competition.
Against England last time out, Queiroz was without number one Lawrence Ati-Zigi due to an injury that the goalkeeper sustained against Panama, so Benjamin Asare was entrusted with the gloves.
The Hearts of Oak shot-stopper played a starring role in Wednesday’s 0-0 draw, making three saves and three recoveries to keep England at bay, and there is still no official word on Ati-Zigi’s condition.
However, Asare should have done enough to retain his place either way and the same goes for the four defenders in front of him after a determined rearguard performance in midweek.
Thomas Partey
Back in the XI after being refused entry into Canada, Thomas Partey anchors what should be an unchanged three-man midfield with Caleb Yirenkyi and Kwasi Sibo.
Ghana are still yet to have a shot on target in the first half of a World Cup game in 2026, and it will be up to the trio of Inaki Williams, Antoine Semenyo and Jordan Ayew to rectify that.
Croatia
Croatia once again boast a fully-fit squad for matchday three, but Dalic has a critical selection dilemma to solve up front after Budimir’s winner off the bench against Panama, where he replaced Petar Musa at half time.
Musa and Josko Gvardiol – surprisingly off the pace against Panama – were both taken off during the break last time out, but there is little chance of the latter losing his spot in the starting XI.
While unable to replicate his cracking strike against England, tricky customer Martin Baturina completed six dribbles and won seven fouls against Panama, the first player to record those totals in a World Cup game since Diego Maradona in 1982.
Given the Black Stars’ lack of bite in the final third so far, if Croatia can find a way through, Dalic’s men have our backing to leapfrog Queiroz’s side in the standings and grace the last 32 with their presence.
Ghana possible starting lineup: Asare; Senaya, Adjetey, Opoku, Mensah; Yirenkyi, Partey, Sibo; Williams, Ayew, Semenyo
Croatia possible starting lineup: Livakovic; Stanisic, Pongracic, Sutalo, Gvardiol; Kovacic, Modric; Baturina, Pasalic, Perisic; Budimir
Prediction
Carlos Queiroz‘s side could be made to pay for slow starts, as they are yet to have a shot on target in the first half of a World Cup match this year.
Ghana can employ the same approach they used to terrific effect against England, although they may come under more pressure against a Croatia team who must go gung-ho for the maximum.
Credit: sportsmole.co.uk
