Croatia Secures Second Place in Group 12 with 2-1 Win Over Ghana at World Cup 2026

Croatia clinched second place in Group 12 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup by defeating Ghana 2-1 in Philadelphia on the night between June 27 and 28. Both teams entered the match knowing a draw would benefit them, with Ghana already qualified for the knockout stage and Croatia needing just a point to advance as one of the best third-placed teams. The first half was cautious, but Croatia broke the deadlock when Mateo Kovačić assisted Petar Stojčić, who scored a powerful long-range goal to put Croatia ahead 1-0.

Ghana struggled to threaten Croatia’s goal until the second half, when coach Carlos Queiroz brought on Abdul Fatawu, who nearly scored with a curling shot. Meanwhile, news from the concurrent England-Panama match affected the standings, as England took a 2-0 lead, pushing Croatia to second place. In the 73rd minute, Ghana equalized through Derrick Luckassen after a free kick from Ernest Nuamah, a goal confirmed after a VAR review for offside.

However, Croatia regained the lead just ten minutes later when Nikola Vlašić headed in a corner delivered by Luka Modrić, securing a 2-1 victory. This win guaranteed Croatia’s progression to the round of 32, where they will face the runner-up of Group 11 in Toronto. Ghana, finishing third, will advance to play the winner of that group in Kansas City.