Image: from ꜱᴘᴏʀᴛꜱ ᴡᴏʀʟᴅ X @_mkverma
By Open Chronicle News Desk with Agencies
Croatia secured its place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage with a hard-fought 2- 1 victory over Ghana on Saturday, finishing second in Group L as both teams progressed to the Round of 32.
Led by an outstanding performance from veteran captain Luka Modrić, the Croatians overcame a spirited second-half fightback from Ghana to claim a crucial victory that also ensured the Black Stars advanced as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.
Croatia dominated the opening half, controlling possession and dictating the tempo through the brilliance of Modrić in midfield. The experienced playmaker orchestrated attacks, delivered dangerous set pieces, and covered every area of the pitch with remarkable energy.
The first warning came in the 16th minute when Nikola Vlašić struck the post after Ghana struggled to play out from the back.
Croatia’s pressure finally paid off in the 31st minute. Midfielder Petar Sučić unleashed a powerful low strike from outside the penalty area that flew into the corner beyond goalkeeper Asare, giving Croatia a deserved 1,0 lead.
Ghana created little before halftime, with Antoine Semenyo producing their best effort in the 39th minute as Croatia comfortably controlled the opening 45 minutes.
The match changed after the break as Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz introduced fresh legs and a more attacking approach. The substitutions transformed the African side, who immediately looked more dangerous and began forcing Croatia onto the defensive.
Their persistence was rewarded in the 73rd minute when Derrick Luckassen bundled home from a free-kick delivery. Although the assistant referee initially flagged for offside, a lengthy VAR review resulted in referee Drew Fischer overturning the decision and awarding the goal after determining the offside player had not interfered with play.
Rather than allowing the equalizer to unsettle them, Croatia quickly regained control.
The decisive moment arrived just minutes later when Luka Modrić delivered a perfectly placed corner that found Nikola Vlašić, whose precise header restored Croatia’s lead and ultimately secured all three points.
Modrić continued to dominate the closing stages, controlling possession with his trademark composure while breaking up Ghanaian attacks and demonstrating why he remains one of international football’s finest midfielders.
The victory guarantees Croatia second place in Group L behind England, while Ghana’s overall tournament performance and goal difference are enough to send them through as one of the best third-placed teams.
Both nations now await the outcome of the remaining group fixtures to discover whether they will face Colombia or Portugal in the Round of 32, while Iran’s hopes of qualification now depend on other results after Croatia’s victory ended their automatic path to the knockout stage.