GistReel
Croatia secured their place in the last 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after Nikola Vlašić’s late winner earned a 2-1 victory over the already qualified Ghana in the last game of Group L in Philadelphia.
Zlatko Dalić’s side needed only to avoid defeat to ensure progress, but Vlašić’s decisive header seven minutes from time ensured Croatia progressed as Group L runners-up behind England.
Despite the defeat, Ghana also progressed to the knockout stages after finishing among the best third-placed teams in the tournament.
Croatia was too late to win
Croatia dominated most of the first half and almost opened the scoring when Vlašić’s shot from distance missed Benjamin Asare’s post.
Their pressure paid off when Petar Sučić collected Mateo Kovačić’s pass before firing a low right-footed shot through the legs of Derrick Luckassen into the bottom corner.
Ghana struggled to threaten before the break, failing to hit the back of the net in the first half for the third consecutive group game.
The Black Stars improved after the introduction of Abdul Fatawu at half-time, and the Leicester City winger immediately stepped up the tempo of the attack.
Their persistence was rewarded in the 73rd minute when Luckassen headed home Ernesto Nuamah’s cross.
The goal was upheld after a lengthy review by the assistant referee, and the officials concluded that Kwasi Sibo, who was in the backfield, did not interfere with play.
Ghana also progress despite defeat
An equalizer briefly turned things in Ghana’s favor, but Croatia regained control during the closing stages.
Mario Pašalić forced Asare into an incredible one-handed save before Luka Modrić’s corner found Vlašić, who headed in the winner in the 83rd minute.
The win confirmed Croatia’s place in the knockout rounds, while also ending Scotland’s hopes of progressing from the group stage.
Croatia finished second in Group L behind England, while Ghana progressed as one of the best third-placed teams after picking up enough points during the group stage to secure a place in the last 32.
