Croatia and Ghana meet in the crucial third round of the World Cup 2026 group stage. This encounter takes place this Saturday, 27 June, at 10 PM (BST) at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.
Both teams have everything to play for in this final group game. Croatia need a win to guarantee their spot in the knockout phase, while Ghana will be confident after collecting four points from their first two games, including a goalless draw against England. This sets up what promises to be a tense and decisive encounter.
Keep reading for our betting tips and analysis, alongside the probable line-ups for this crucial match.
Croatia vs. Ghana - Head-to-head record
Croatia and Ghana will meet for the first time in the World Cup, marking a historical encounter. Both teams enter uncharted territory without past encounters to analyse. Therefore, the Croatia vs. Ghana stats from their opening games offer the only guide for this fresh matchup.
This inaugural Croatia vs. Ghana fixture takes place on a grand stage, with a knockout round spot on the line. Both nations are eager to secure a victory in this new international rivalry. This promises a compelling and unpredictable encounter in Philadelphia.
Croatia - Aiming for knockout stage
Croatia secured a vital 1-0 win against Panama to keep their World Cup dreams alive, and now they face a decisive match against Ghana. In the following sections, we will take a closer look at their current form and recent results, analysing their tactical approach for this crucial encounter.
Recent form
Croatia began the World Cup with a 4-2 loss to England, raising initial concerns. They quickly recovered, securing a vital 1-0 victory against Panama in their second match. This win has reignited their World Cup hopes, making this a decisive group stage finale.
Overall, Croatia show solid form, winning 13 of their last 21 international games. The experienced Luka Modrić remains key in midfield, recently marking his 200th international appearance. Baturina, Musa, and Budimir have scored in the tournament, highlighting their varied attacking options.
Coach Zlatko Dalić benefits from a fully fit squad with no injuries for this crucial encounter. This allows him to select his strongest lineup for what is essentially a knockout game. Croatia will be highly motivated, with qualification for the next round at stake.
Results of the last five matches
Probable line-up for Croatia
Livaković; Gvardiol, Pongračić, Šutalo, Stanišić; Perišić, Pašalić, Kovačić, Baturina, Modrić; Musa.
Manager: Zlatko Dalić.
Ghana - Unbeaten in the tournament
Let’s now take a look at Ghana. We will analyse the team’s current form, their journey in the tournament so far, and their key players.
Recent form
Ghana enters this final group match in a strong position, having collected four points from their first two games. They began their World Cup campaign with a solid 1-0 victory over Panama. Following that, they produced a highly disciplined performance to hold England to a goalless draw, showcasing their defensive resilience.
Their form coming into the tournament was inconsistent, with several losses in friendly matches. However, their competitive record has been much stronger, and they have carried that into the World Cup. The Black Stars have proven to be a tough team to break down, having not conceded a single goal in the competition so far.
With a fully fit squad and no suspensions, Ghana will be at full strength for this crucial decider. While attackers like Jordan Ayew and Antoine Semenyo are yet to find the back of the net, their defence has been outstanding. This defensive solidity gives them a great platform to build from, knowing a draw could be enough to see them through.
Results of the last five matches
Probable line-up for Ghana
Asare; Senaya, Adjetey, Opoku, Mensah; Williams, Sibo, Partey, Semenyo, Yirenkyi; Ayew.
Manager: Carlos Queiroz.
Croatia vs. Ghana - Stats
- Croatia have won 13 of their last 21 international matches, losing only five.
- Ghana, in contrast, have won just eight of their last 21 games, losing eight and drawing five.
- The Black Stars are yet to concede a goal in this World Cup campaign.
- Croatia have found the back of the net three times in their two tournament matches.
- Croatia: Midfielder Martin Baturina has one goal from his two appearances in the competition.
- Ghana: Defender Caleb Yirenkyi has scored one goal in the tournament so far.
Predictions for Croatia vs. Ghana - Croatia to clinch victory
Croatia enters this match needing a victory to secure their place in the knockout stages. Their attack has been effective, so this clash could see over 2.5 goals in total.
Ghana boasts a solid defence, having not conceded in the tournament so far. However, facing an experienced Croatian side desperate for a win, there is a strong chance both teams to score.
Given Croatia’s attacking necessity and greater overall experience, they are the favourites to break down Ghana"s resistance. Therefore, our main prediction is a victory for the Croatian national team in this decisive encounter.
| Croatia x Ghana | ||
| Tip | Tip | Best Odd |
| Double Chance & Over/Under | Over 2.5 goals in total | at BetMGM |
| Double Chance & Over/Under | Both teams to score | at BetMGM |
The odds mentioned were collected at the time of writing this prediction and are subject to change. Always check the bookmaker"s site for up-to-date information.
Best markets to bet on Croatia vs. Ghana
Discover more recommended bets on Croatia vs. Ghana for this exciting encounter.
🔥 Total Goals - First Half: Over 0.5 - 1.44 at BetMGM
With Croatia needing a win, they will likely apply pressure from the kick-off. This attacking intent makes a goal before half-time a strong possibility for this match.
🔥 Asian Handicap: Croatia -0.75 - 1.96 at BetMGM
For those seeking potentially higher returns, the bets on Croatia vs. Ghana in the Asian Handicap market are appealing. A victory by one goal would be enough for a return.
Where to watch Croatia vs. Ghana?
Here is where to watch Croatia vs. Ghana live:
- TV: ITV X (Gbr), ITV 4 (Gbr)
- Streaming: BBC Radio 5 Live Extra (Gbr), BBC Radio 5 Live (Gbr)
Croatia vs. Ghana - Match details
Check out the match details:
- Match: Croatia vs. Ghana
- Competition: World Cup 2026
- Date: 27/06/2026
- Kick-off: 10 PM (BST)
- Venue: Lincoln Financial Field, United States
- Broadcast: ITV 4 (Gbr), ITV X (Gbr), BBC Radio 5 Live Extra (Gbr), BBC Radio 5 Live (Gbr)
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