Croatia edges Ghana to secure World Cup knockout stage spot

Yahoo Sports1 min read • Latest: Jun 27, 2026, 11:11 PM

Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Croatia edges Ghana to secure World Cup knockout stage spot
Summary

Croatia defeated Ghana 2-1 in Philadelphia on Saturday, securing their place in the last 32 of the World Cup. Petar Sucic opened the scoring for Croatia in the first half, but Ghana equalized through Derrick Luckassen in the second period. Nikola Vlasic scored a late winner for Croatia to confirm their progression. England's victory over Panama in a concurrent match meant Croatia finished second in Group L. Ghana had already guaranteed their advancement before facing Croatia, marking their third appearance in the knockout stages of a World Cup.

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By the Numbers
  • Croatia wins 2-1 against Ghana in World Cup group stage
  • Petar Sucic scores first goal for Croatia
  • Derrick Luckassen equalizes for Ghana
  • Nikola Vlasic nets late winner for Croatia
  • Both teams advance to World Cup knockout rounds.
Latest Updates
  • 11:43 PMYahoo SportsCroatia beat Ghana to join them in last 32, Kane's England win group
  • 11:11 PMYahoo SportsCroatia battle past Ghana to sew up World Cup Last 32 spot
What they're saying
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Croatia reached the last 32 with a 2-1 win against already-qualified Ghana, while Harry Kane became England's record scorer at World Cups in a 2-0 victory over Panama as they topped Group L on Saturday. Nikola Vlašić headed in Croatia's winner from a corner on 83 minutes, meaning Croatia leapfrogged Ghana into second spot to secure a meeting with the second-placed team from Group K in Toronto on Thursday.

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Croatia beat Ghana 2-1 to claim second spot in Group L on Saturday to secure their passage to the last 32 of the World Cup.For a while, Croatia had been going through as group winners until Jude Bellingham gave England the lead in the second half against Panama in the pool's other match on Saturday -- Thomas Tuchel's side then emerging 2-0 victors to ensure top spot.

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