Ghana’s Black Stars have secured a place in the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, even though they ended their Group L campaign with a 2-1 loss to Croatia.
Heading into the final group match, Ghana knew their qualification hopes were still alive. Their four-point tally proved enough to see them progress as one of the tournament’s eight best third-placed teams.
Croatia started the match strongly and opened the scoring through Petar Sučić before halftime. Ghana responded in the second half, with Derrick Luckassen equalising in the 73rd minute to give the Black Stars renewed belief. However, Croatia regained the lead ten minutes later when Nikola Vlašić finished off a pass from Luka Modrić, sealing a 2-1 victory and confirming Croatia’s place in the knockout stage as Group L runners-up.
In the other Group L fixture, England claimed a 2-0 win over Panama through goals from Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane. The result saw England finish top of the group with seven points, while Croatia followed in second with six. Ghana ended third on four points, a total that was enough to earn qualification to the knockout stage as one of the best third-placed teams. Panama finished bottom of the group without a point.
Final Group L Standings
1. England – 7 points
2. Croatia – 6 points
3. Ghana – 4 points
4. Panama – 0 points
Attention now shifts to the Round of 32, where Ghana will take on Colombia in Kansas City, USA where experienced midfielder Thomas Partey will be available to play.
By Jones Adzi
