Ghana’s Black Stars will face Colombia in the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, after a 2-1 defeat to Croatia in their final Group L match on Saturday in Philadelphia, USA. Ghana’s place in the knockout stage was already secure before kickoff.
Four points from their opening two games meant progression was guaranteed under FIFA’s expanded format.
Croatia, however, were chasing a result to stay alive in the tournament and started the stronger side.The Croats took control before halftime when Petar Sučić finished off a pass from Mateo Kovačić to put them 1-0 up.
Ghana lacked cutting edge in the first half but came out with more purpose after the break. They drew level in the 73rd minute through Derrick Luckassen, who tapped in after Ernest Nuamah’s cross to level the contest.
Croatia struck back late. Luka Modrić picked out Nikola Vlašić with a precise ball in the 83rd minute, and Vlašić’s finish restored Croatia’s lead. The result did not affect Ghana’s status, with the Black Stars now set to take on Colombia in the next round, while Croatia’s win kept their own qualification hopes intact.
