Croatia edges Ghana to seal World Cup knockout berth

Nikola Vlasic (R) of Croatia vies with Kamaldeen Sulemana of Ghana during the group L match between Croatia and Ghana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Philadelphia Stadium in Philadelphia, the United States, June 27, 2026. (Xinhua/Lui Siu Wai)

PHILADELPHIA, United States, June 27 (Xinhua) -- Croatia secured a place in the FIFA World Cup round of 32 with a 2-1 victory over Ghana in their final Group L match on Saturday.

Croatia entered the match under greater pressure, knowing victory would guarantee qualification, while Ghana needed only a draw to advance automatically.

Played after steady rain, the match extended Philadelphia's run of weather-affected World Cup fixtures after thunderstorms had previously disrupted play at the venue.

Petar Sucic gave Croatia the lead in the 31st minute after capitalizing on Gideon Adjetey's misplaced pass, firing a low shot from around 25 meters that slipped through defender Derrick Luckassen's legs and into the bottom-left corner.

Ghana equalized in the 73rd minute after Luckassen's finish from Ernest Nuamah's free-kick was awarded following a VAR review that overturned an initial offside decision.

Ten minutes later, Nikola Vlasic headed home the winner from Croatia captain Luka Modric's corner.

In the other match of Group L, England beat Panama 2-0.

The victory lifted Croatia to second place in the group with six points, behind England on seven. Ghana finished third with four points and also advanced to the round of 32 as one of the eight best third-placed teams.

Petar Sucic (C) of Croatia shoots to score during the group L match between Croatia and Ghana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Philadelphia Stadium in Philadelphia, the United States, June 27, 2026. (Xinhua/Hu Xingyu)

Nikola Vlasic (L) of Croatia vies with Kamaldeen Sulemana of Ghana during the group L match between Croatia and Ghana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Philadelphia Stadium in Philadelphia, the United States, June 27, 2026. (Xinhua/Lui Siu Wai)

Players of Croatia react after missing a chance during the group L match between Croatia and Ghana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Philadelphia Stadium in Philadelphia, the United States, June 27, 2026. (Xinhua/Lui Siu Wai)

Petar Sucic (R) of Croatia celebrates a goal during the group L match between Croatia and Ghana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Philadelphia Stadium in Philadelphia, the United States, June 27, 2026. (Xinhua/Hu Xingyu)

Fans of Croatia cheer before the group L match between Croatia and Ghana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Philadelphia Stadium in Philadelphia, the United States, June 27, 2026. (Xinhua/Lui Siu Wai)

Ante Budimir (L) of Croatia vies with Derrick Luckassen of Ghana during the group L match between Croatia and Ghana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Philadelphia Stadium in Philadelphia, the United States, June 27, 2026. (Xinhua/Lui Siu Wai)

Luka Modric (R) of Croatia vies with Jordan Ayew of Ghana during the group L match between Croatia and Ghana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Philadelphia Stadium in Philadelphia, the United States, June 27, 2026. (Xinhua/Lui Siu Wai)

Martin Baturina (R) of Croatia vies with Fatawu Issahaku of Ghana during the group L match between Croatia and Ghana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Philadelphia Stadium in Philadelphia, the United States, June 27, 2026. (Xinhua/Lui Siu Wai)

Josip Sutalo (L) of Croatia vies with Kamaldeen Sulemana of Ghana during the group L match between Croatia and Ghana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Philadelphia Stadium in Philadelphia, the United States, June 27, 2026. (Xinhua/Lui Siu Wai)