Preview: Croatia vs Ghana prediction, odds, where to watch, time | FIFA World Cup 2026

Does Croatia’s fading golden generation still possess that flair to propel Dalic’s side to knockouts?

Philadelphia Stadium (Lincoln Financial Field) in Pennsylvania, United States of America, gears up to host a final matchweek fixture from Group L of the FIFA World Cup 2026. 2018 finalists Croatia and African outfit Ghana lock horns in a thrilling contest.

Group L still has a lot to offer in Matchweek 3. Shockingly, no team has yet qualified for the knockout stages. England are the front-runners to top Group L with a win over Panama.

Ghana are just a draw away from a historic top two finish. Meanwhile, Croatia must win the next game to keep their qualification hopes alive.

The team that won medals in the last two editions of the FIFA World Cup are off to a poor start. After all, their fading and ageing golden generation can’t be expected to do miracles against quick and agile youngsters. After a 4-2 defeat to England, Croatia were lucky to get a 1-0 win over Panama.

That solitary goal from Budimir has kept them alive in the race. But to finish among the top two teams, they must win the next game to move to six points and leapfrog Carlos Queiroz’s side. It would require some moments of brilliance to beat the resolute defensive wall of Ghana.

The lowest-ranked team of Group L are just a draw away from guaranteeing a top-two finish in the FIFA World Cup 2026. Ghana have been phenomenal so far. After that 1-0 win over Panama, they went on to pull one of the biggest upsets by holding favourites England to a goalless draw.

In the last game against the Three Lions, Thomas Tuchel’s side dominated all the statistics, yet failed to find the back of the net. If Ghana can manage to replicate the same heroics against Croatia in the next game, they will qualify easily for the Round of 32.

World Cups have a habit of producing unforgettable moments. This encounter has all the ingredients to be another memorable chapter. With talented players spread across the pitch and little room for error, fans can expect an entertaining battle between two teams eager to make their mark in the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Kick-off:

• Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
• Stadium: Philadelphia Stadium (Lincoln Financial Field)
• Date: Saturday, June 27
• Kick-off time: 9 p.m. BST, 5 p.m. local EDT [ Sunday, June 28 at 2:30 a.m. IST]
• Referee: Drew Thomas Fischer (Canada)
• VAR: In use

Form:

Croatia (in all competitions): W-L-W-L-L

Ghana (in all competitions): D-W-D-L-L

Players to Watch

Ivan Perisic (Croatia)

Ivan Perisic is the all-time leading goalscorer for the Croatia national football team in major international tournaments. He has 10 goals across the FIFA World Cup and the UEFA Euros. After making a move out of Tottenham Hotspur, he has rediscovered his old lost form.

A multi-sport athlete who has represented Croatia in the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour is a big-match player. At a time when Croatia have struggled to create many chances and have failed to score, Perisic must step up and lead his side to glory.

Antoine Semenyo (Ghana)

One of the most physically exhausting wide forwards in the English top flight, Semenyo made a high-profile switch from Bournemouth to Manchester City in the January transfer window. He is coming after winning the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup under Pep Guardiola.

He possesses excellent upper-body strength and can hold up well in play. Most importantly, his terrifying transitional acceleration burst during counterattacks makes him a dominating and lethal force in the wings. Bayern full-back Josip Stanisic will have a tough time chasing Semenyo in the next game.

Match Facts

• Croatia and Ghana have no recorded senior men’s head-to-head matches against each other.
• The winner of this game will advance to the next round.
• Even a draw would be enough for Ghana to advance past the group stages.

Croatia vs Ghana: Betting Tips and Odds

• Match to end in a draw – 12/5 with Betfred
• Ivan Perisic to score – 11/4 with Betfred
• Croatia 1-1 Ghana – 6/1 with Betfred

Injury and Team News

Zlatko Dalic may be tempted to start Budimir after he scored the winning goal against Panama. Petar Musa is expected to start from the bench. Gvardiol had a decent outing in the last game and is expected to retain his spot in the lineup.

On the other side, Hearts of Oak custodian Benjamin Asare started in the last game against England and managed to pull a clean sheet. He is expected to retain his spot regardless of Lawrence Ati-Zigi’s fitness.

Head-to-Head

They have no recorded senior men’s head-to-head matches against each other.

Predicted Lineups

Croatia predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)

Dominik Livaković (GK); Josip Stanišić, Marin Pongračić, Josip Šutalo, Joško Gvardiol; Mateo Kovačić, Luka Modrić; Martin Baturina, Mario Pašalić, Ivan Perišić; Ante Budimir.

Ghana predicted lineup (5-4-1)

Benjamin Asare (GK); Marvin Senaya, Jonas Adjetey, Jerome Opoku, Gideon Mensah, Caleb Yirenkyi; Thomas Partey, Kwasi Sibo; Iñaki Williams, Jordan Ayew, Antoine Semenyo.

Match Prediction

Though Croatia are ranked many spots higher than Ghana, we have to agree that the African side have fared well so far. The Croatians have been underwhelming. Given Ghana’s golden chance to qualify with a draw, we expect the African outfit to hold to a goalless draw and clinch the second spot in Group L.

Prediction: Croatia 1-1 Ghana

Telecast Details

India: Unite8 Sports Channels, ZEE5,

UK: BBC & ITV

USA: FOX Sports

Nigeria: DStv, GOtv

Full Broadcaster List here.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.