Croatia vs Ghana Prediction, Betting Tips & Odds | WC 2026

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World Cup Predictions

by Fred Mwambu

1 day ago 0 7

Last Updated on June 25, 2026

Competition – FIFA World Cup 2026

Group L, matchday 3 – Sunday, June 27, 2026

Kick-off – midnight (Saturday night)

Venue – Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia

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Why Croatia vs Ghana Match Matters

The mathematics in Group L is just very simple here. Panama, with zero points, is out of contention and is playing a dead rubber. Ghana, with four points, need only a draw to advance or a defeat with several results favouring them elsewhere. Croatia, on three points, must win.

Carlos Queiroz, the most experienced international manager on either touchline, with four previous World Cup campaigns across Iran and Portugal before this one, will organise his side around protecting that point with the same disciplined defensive structure that held England scoreless in Boston. Against that backdrop, Croatia enters as the team under all the pressure: they need to win, will know it, and will have to impose themselves against a side with every incentive to make their lives as difficult as possible.

Modric’s farewell in Philadelphia

Luka Modric confirmed before the tournament that this World Cup would be his last. And he is not just bowing out in words; the 40-year-old pulled one of his old tricks to fire in the lone winner for Croatia over Panama to keep the dream of another knockout appearance alive. It was the typical Modric composed, curled finish into the bottom corner from the edge of the box. His performances have earned him beautiful tributes from al alike, but whatever happens in this fixture against Ghana, will either add history or mark the last time Modric wears the national shirt in a competitive fixture in Philadelphia.

Read our World Cup predictions here: WORLD CUP OUTRIGHT PREDICTIONS

Ghana reawakened

Ghana’s golden generation of the Asamoah Gyan was quite unfortunate not to reach the semifinal after that Luis Suarez handball that Gyan failed to convert from the penalty at the 2010 World Cup. From that tournament, the Black Stars exited early after finishing bottom of the groups in Brazil 2014 and Qatar 2022 and missed Russia 2018.

The late winner against Panama and a goalless draw against England seem to have attracted attention back on them, but they need better results against Croatia to finish decently and get, probably, a more favourable draw in the knockouts.

Croatia’s form guide: W-L-W-L-L

Croatia’s last five matches

24.06.2026 – Panama 0-1 Croatia
17.06.2026 – England 4-2 Croatia
07.06.2026 – Croatia 2-1 Slovenia
02.06.2026 – Croatia 0-2 Belgium
01.04.2026 – Brazil 3-1 Croatia

Goals scored – 6

Goals conceded – 8

Key trends in Croatia’s recent matches

Croatia twice came from a goal down to take their game against England to a 2- 2 draw at the break. But when England stepped on the pedal with super subs Marcus Rashford and Bukayo Saka, Croatia had no answers, losing 4-2. It was clear that the best days of their golden generation that delivered a silver and bronze medal in Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022 were behind them. Though their experience led by the evergreen Luka Modric was evident as they overcame Panama and could throw one last jab at Ghana. Croatia have scored only six in five matches and conceded eight.

Ghana’s form guide: D-W-D-L-L

Ghana’s last five matches

· 23.06.2026 – England 0-0 Ghana

18.06.2026 – Ghana 1-0 Panama
02.06.2026 – Wales 1-1 Ghana
23.05.2026 – Mexico 2-0 Ghana
30.03.2026 – Germany 2-1 Ghana

Goals scored – 3

Goals conceded – 5

Key trends from Ghana’s recent matches

Ghana is yet to concede a goal at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after two match days, a defensive record that has earned them four points. They have been excellent defensively by tournament standards and are only the fourth team besides co-hosts Mexico, Spain and Argentina who have not conceded a goal, but their striking is wanting. They have scored only one goal, which came deep in the final seconds of their additional time against Panama. Ghana has scored only three and conceded five in their last five games, with four of them ending under 2.5.

Croatia team news

No significant injury or suspension concerns have been confirmed from the Panama match. Dalic has a full squad available, with the caveat that Modric will be managed carefully given his age, but the necessity of a win means he is expected to start and play the full 90 minutes if fitness allows. The four goals conceded against England suggest a defensive reshuffle may be considered, with David Suker Jr. or Borna Sosa pushing for starting berths.

Key players: Luka Modric is 40 but has not spent yet. He proved with that stunning winner against Panama.

READ HERE – World Cup Top Goalscorer Predictions

Mateo Kovacic is their best-ranked player and brings his box-to-box options that English Premier League defenders struggle to cope with.

Ghana team news

There are no injury reports from the Ghana camp, but they will have to manage Inaki Williams, who is on a caution.

Key players: Thomas Partey gives Ghana that physical presence and technical barrier that has allowed Queiroz’s defensive structure to function so effectively, especially during the England game that he featured in.

Antoine Semenyo (Manchester City) is Ghana’s primary counter-attacking weapon and the player Croatia’s fullbacks will most need to neutralise. Jordan Ayew (Al-Rayyan) provides the experience and leadership in attack at 34 years old and 120 caps. Benjamin Asare in goal was outstanding against England and has reinforced himself as one of the most improved goalkeepers at this tournament.

Predicted Starting Lineups

Croatia