2026 World Cup: Late Vlašić strike sinks Ghana but progress to last 32
Ghana suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Croatia in their final Group L fixture at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but still secured a place in the Round of 32 as one of the tournament's best third-placed teams.
A late header from Nikola Vlašić denied the Black Stars the opportunity to finish in the top two, with the result, combined with England's 2-0 victory over Panama, seeing the Three Lions top the group on seven points. Croatia finished second with six points, while Ghana ended third with four.
Despite the disappointment in Philadelphia, Ghana's World Cup journey continues after doing enough across their three group matches to advance to the knockout stages.
Croatia started brightly and nearly took the lead after 17 minutes when Vlašić struck the post from the edge of the penalty area after capitalising on a lapse in Ghana's defensive organisation.
The breakthrough eventually arrived in the 31st minute. Petar Sučić unleashed a fierce low effort from around 30 yards that flew into the bottom corner, ending Ghana's impressive run without conceding at the tournament.
It was the first goal the Black Stars had allowed in three matches and, at that stage, moved Croatia to the summit of Group L.
Ghana responded positively before the interval and almost found an equaliser through Antoine Semenyo, whose dangerous run and inviting low cross flashed across the face of goal without finding a finishing touch.
Seeking a response, head coach Carlos Queiroz introduced Opong Peprah and Abdul Fatawu Issahaku at the start of the second half, a move that immediately lifted Ghana's attacking intensity.
Fatawu quickly made his presence felt, delivering a superb cross into the area, but Semenyo narrowly failed to connect as the ball zipped across goal.
The Black Stars' persistence was eventually rewarded in the 76th minute. Ernest Nuamah floated a free-kick into the box, where Derrick Luckassen produced a composed volley at the far post to level matters.
The goal was initially disallowed for offside, but after an extensive VAR review, officials ruled that Kwasi Sibo, who had been in an offside position, had not interfered with play. The decision was overturned, sparking jubilant celebrations among the Ghanaian players.
The equaliser briefly elevated Ghana to second place in the group standings.
Moments later, goalkeeper Benjamin Asare produced one of the saves of the tournament, brilliantly tipping Mario Pašalić's powerful strike over the crossbar with an outstanding one-handed stop.
However, Croatia capitalised from the resulting corner. In the 83rd minute, Luka Modrić delivered a dangerous set-piece and Vlašić rose above the Ghana defence to power a header beyond Asare, with the ball bouncing in off the inside of the post.
Ghana pressed desperately for another equaliser in the closing stages, but Croatia held firm to secure qualification as Group L runners-up.