Croatia booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 after securing a dramatic 2-1 victory over Ghana in their final Group L match at Lincoln Financial Field on Saturday.
The 2018 World Cup finalists took the lead in the 31st minute through Petar Sučić, whose powerful strike from outside the penalty area found the back of the net to give Croatia a deserved advantage before halftime.
Ghana fought back in the second half and leveled the score in the 74th minute when Derek Lukassen converted a well-delivered cross.
The goal was initially checked by VAR before being confirmed, setting up a tense finish.
Croatia responded strongly, with veteran captain Luka Modrić providing the decisive moment. His corner kick in the 82nd minute was met by Nikola Vlašić, who headed home the winner to seal all three points and send Croatia into the knockout stage.
The victory saw Croatia finish second in Group L with six points, behind group winners England, who topped the standings with seven points after defeating Panama 2-0.
Ghana finished third on four points, while Panama exited the tournament without a point.
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