Croatia starting lineup vs Ghana confirmed as Luka Modric named for FIFA World Cup 2026 match
(Courtesy : Getty)
The Vatreni are third in Group L ahead of tonight’s match.
Croatia take on Ghana in their final Group L fixture in the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on June 27. The Balkan side remain third in the group with three points and need a win to clinch automatic qualification to the Round of 32 stage.
The Vatreni had a miserable start to their campaign, suffering a 4-2 defeat at the hands of England. Martin Baturina and Peter Musa scored in the first half to cancel Harry Kane’s brace, but Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford scored in the second half to seal a win for the Three Lions.
Zlatko Dalic’s men returned to winning ways in the next game, beating Panama 1-0. In a largely uneventful match, Ante Budimir’s 54th-minute goal proved to be the decider. The result has kept the 2018 finalists in the running for qualification.
However, they need all three points against Ghana to leapfrog the Black Stars into second place. If England lose in the other fixture against Panama, Luka Modric and company can even finish first. A draw in tonight’s match will also help them qualify as one of the best third-placed sides, while a defeat may make matters tricky, depending on the other results.
Also Read: Croatia vs Ghana: Five key battles to watch out for in FIFA World Cup 2026
Let’s look at the Croatia confirmed lineup for the FIFA World Cup 2026 match against Ghana:
Croatia (4-2-3-1): Dominik Livakovic; Josip Stanisic, Josip Sutalo, Marin Pongracic, Ivan Perisic; Luka Modric (c), Mateo Kovacic; Nikola Vlasic, Petar Sucic, Martin Baturina; Ante Budimir.
Substitutes: Dominik Kotarski (gk), Ivor Pandur (gk), Duja Caleta-Car, Martin Erlic, Toni Fruk, Josko Gvardiol, Kristijan Jakic, Andrej Kramaric, Igor Matanovic, Nikola Moro, Petar Musa, Mario Pasalic, Marco Pasalic, Luka Sucic, Luka Vuskovic.
Thoughts on the lineup
With no fresh injuries to contend with, Dalic will opt for a largely unchanged side in tonight’s game. Dominik Livakovic was brilliant in the match against Panama and keeps his place between the sticks.
Josip Sutalo and Marin Pongracic have been ever-present in central defence for the Vatreni, and Bayern Munich’s Josip Stanisic joins them on the right. Veteran Ivan Perisic drops to left-back, replacing Manchester City’s Josko Gvardiol.
Gvardiol’s club teammate, Mateo Kovacic, forms the two-man midfield pivot with the evergreen Luka Modric. Martin Baturina, who has proved to be his side’s key player in unlocking tight defences, starts on the right flank.
Torino attacker Nikola Vlasic starts on the left wing, and Inter Milan prodigy Petar Sucic starts as the team’s attacking outlet just behind the striker. After his goalscoring exploits in the previous game, Ante Budimir starts as the team’s lone centre-forward, replacing Petar Musa.
When is Croatia vs Ghana FIFA World Cup 2026 match?
The Group L clash is scheduled for Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, USA. In India, the match will kick off at 2:30 AM IST on June 28.
How to watch Croatia vs Ghana match in India?
Fans in India can watch live on Zee5 (premium subscription required) or on Unite8 Sports TV channels.
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Sushruta has spent over two years covering football, with a particular focus on Indian and international competitions. Alongside football, he has reported on a variety of sports, bringing curiosity and perspective to every story. When he’s not following the action, he can usually be found binge-watching movies or getting lost in a good book.