2026 World Cup: Ghana to confirm, Croatia in danger

First place in sight for Ghana, do-or-die match for Croatia

With 4 points on the board after a late victory over Panama (1-0) and a heroic draw against England (0-0), Ghana has already secured its ticket for the brand new round of 32. But there’s no question of Carlos Queiroz’s men easing up. The aim is twofold: try to finish top or at least secure second place in Group L in order to get the best possible draw for the next round, while also confirming the impressive performance that was unanimously praised against the Three Lions.

On the other side, the situation is much more critical. Third in the group with just 3 points, Croatia has no choice: it must absolutely get a result to secure its future in this tournament. A defeat at the hands of the Ghanaians, combined with a comeback from Algeria or DR Congo in the best third-placed calculations, could eliminate Joško Gvardiol’s teammates prematurely.

Queiroz’s Ghana: a double-locked fortress

The main satisfaction for the Black Stars in this World Cup so far lies in a restored defensive solidity. While the warm-up matches gave cause for concern with eleven goals conceded in five games, Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz has turned his backline into a real stronghold.

The main fact: Ghana has not conceded a single goal in two official matches since the start of this World Cup.

While the central partnership of Opoku – Adjetey has stood out for its discipline, the downside comes in attack. With just one goal from two encounters, the Black Stars have struggled to be clinical in the opposition box against top-level nations. Against Croatia, the challenge will be to find the right balance between defensive discipline and quick transitions forward.

Luka Modrić’s “Last Dance”

For Croatia, this game feels like a final before its time. Led by the evergreen Luka Modrić (40 years old, who just celebrated his historic 200th cap in the previous match against Panama), the Vatreni rely on their vast experience of big occasions.

Zlatko Dalić knows that on paper, his team has a technical and theoretical advantage (11th in the FIFA rankings against Ghana’s 73rd). However, the generational transition is proving more complicated than expected, and AC Milan’s midfielder will have to show some genius to break down the Ghanaian wall. At the pre-match press conference, the Croatian camp showed its determination:

"We know what we have to do. This kind of do-or-die match is in our team’s DNA."

Between the iron discipline of a relaxed Ghana and the ultimate experience of a Croatia with its back against the wall, the tactical battle promises to be sumptuous. A clash of styles that will be essential in shaping the final bracket of this 2026 World Cup.