Croatia beat Ghana 2-1 in Philadelphia to advance as Group L runners-up
Synopsis
Croatia refused to settle for a draw, went two goals up through Sucic and Vlasic, survived a Ghana equaliser, and held on to finish Group L runners-up. The win also saw Luka Modric extend his record to 21 consecutive World Cup appearances — and earn his 201st Croatia cap on the biggest stage in football.
Key Takeaways
Croatia beat Ghana 2-1 at Philadelphia Stadium on 28 June to finish as Group L runners-up .
Petar Sucic opened the scoring with a 30-yard drive, becoming the second-youngest Croatia scorer at a FIFA World Cup at 22 years and 245 days .
Nikola Vlasic headed home the winner from a Luka Modric corner after Derrick Luckassen had equalised for Ghana.
Luka Modric has now featured in 21 consecutive Croatia World Cup matches, dating back to 2006 ; this was his 201st cap .
Ghana progress as one of the best third-placed sides despite the defeat.
Croatia face the Group K runners-up in the Round of 32 in Toronto on 3 July (IST) .
Croatia secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Ghana at Philadelphia Stadium on 28 June, leapfrogging the Black Stars into second place in Group L and booking their spot in the Round of 32. Petar Sucic and Nikola Vlasic were the decisive contributors, combining to give Croatia a result that sends them to Toronto on 3 July (IST) to face the Group K runners-up.
How Croatia Took Control
Croatia showed their intent from the opening exchanges, pressing high and creating early danger. The warning signs for Ghana came in the 17th minute, when Vlasic found space 20 yards from goal and clipped the outside of the post with a powerful right-foot strike.
The opener arrived just after the half-hour mark, with Sucic crashing a stunning 30-yard drive through a pair of attempted blocks and just inside the left-hand post. The goal made Sucic, at 22 years and 245 days, the second-youngest player to score for Croatia at the FIFA World Cup — behind only Josko Gvardiol, who was 20 years and 328 days when he scored against Morocco in 2022.
Ghana's Response and the Equaliser
Ghana offered limited threat in the first half, with Antoine Semenyo their primary attacking outlet — the winger firing narrowly wide as the interval approached. The Black Stars improved markedly after the break, however, and their sustained pressure yielded an equaliser 17 minutes from time.
Derrick Luckassen capitalised on poor marking at a free-kick, sneaking in to side-foot home and level the contest at 1-1.
Vlasic Seals It — Modric Delivers Again
Ghana's defensive lapse proved costly at both ends. Just ten minutes after profiting from Croatia's set-piece marking error, they conceded in identical fashion — Vlasic stealing in unmarked at a Luka Modric corner to head home the winner off the inside of the left-hand post.
The assist extended Modric's extraordinary World Cup run: the veteran midfielder has now featured in each of Croatia's last 21 matches at the tournament, a sequence stretching back to the nation's second game at the 2006 FIFA World Cup. This was his 201st appearance for Croatia.
Group L Final Standings and What's Next
Croatia finish as Group L runners-up and face the Group K runners-up in the Round of 32 in Toronto on 3 July (IST). Ghana, despite the defeat, have progressed as one of the best third-placed sides from the group stage. The result underlines Croatia's tournament pedigree — a side that has consistently punched above its weight on football's grandest stage.
Point of View
Ghana's and Croatia's alike. In a tournament where margins are razor-thin, that vulnerability could prove costly against higher-calibre opposition in the knockout rounds. Modric at 201 caps remains the axis around which Croatia's game revolves, and the question of who carries that creative burden when he eventually steps away is one Croatian football has not yet answered.
NationPress
28 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the result between Croatia and Ghana at the FIFA World Cup 2026?
Croatia beat Ghana 2-1 at Philadelphia Stadium on 28 June . Petar Sucic and Nikola Vlasic scored for Croatia, while Derrick Luckassen equalised for Ghana before Vlasic netted the late winner.
Who scored for Croatia against Ghana?
Petar Sucic scored the opener with a 30-yard drive, and Nikola Vlasic headed home the match-winner from a Luka Modric corner. Vlasic's goal came ten minutes after Ghana had levelled through Derrick Luckassen.
Where do Croatia go next after finishing Group L runners-up?
Croatia face the Group K runners-up in the Round of 32 in Toronto on 3 July (IST). Ghana, despite finishing third in Group L, have advanced as one of the best third-placed sides.
What record did Luka Modric set in the Croatia vs Ghana match?
Luka Modric made his 201st appearance for Croatia and extended his run to 21 consecutive World Cup matches for the national side, a sequence that dates back to Croatia's second game at the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
How young was Petar Sucic when he scored against Ghana?
Sucic was 22 years and 245 days old when he scored, making him the second-youngest player to score for Croatia at a FIFA World Cup. Only Josko Gvardiol, who scored against Morocco in 2022 at 20 years and 328 days, was younger.
