Croatia vs Ghana Preview
Croatia have struggled for rhythm in recent matches and Ghana are a tough-to-beat side. The Black Stars know that one more point will seal qualification to the 2026 World Cup knockouts and a draw is likely.
Ghana Unbeaten in 3
- Croatia are winless in 3 of their last 5 games.
- Ghana are unbeaten in 3 consecutive matches.
H2H - First Encounter
This will be the first-ever meeting between Croatia and Ghana.
Croatia in Patchy Recent Form
Zlatko Dalic’s Croatia are inconsistent and have won two of their last five in all competitions, losing three.
The European side lost to Brazil 3-1 and Belgium 2-0 and beat Slovenia 2-1 in their World Cup warm-up matches. The Vatreni then lost 4-2 against England in their Group L opener and had 0.7 XG.
Croatia bounced back with a 1-0 win against Panama on Wednesday. Ante Budimir scored early in the second half and Dalic’s side controlled the game with 1.65 XG.
Ghana Have Tightened Up at the World Cup
Ghana have improved in the three games since Carlos Queiroz’s appointment. Under the Portuguese coach, the Black Stars are unbeaten in three and have drawn twice.
The African outfit are one of just four teams to keep a clean sheet in their opening two 2026 World Cup matches.
Ghana started their campaign with a 1-0 win over Panama, where Caleb Yirenkyi scored a 95th-minute winner.
The Black Stars moved up to second in Group L after a 0-0 draw against England. Ghana faced just three shots on target and had 21% possession.
Predicted Starting Lineups & Team News
Croatia (4-2-3-1): Dominik Livakovic; Josip Stanisic, Josip Sutalo, Marin Pongracic, Joskov Gvardiol; Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic; Mario Pasalic, Martin Baturina, Ivan Perisic; Ante Budimir
Croatia have no injuries or suspensions.
Ante Budimir could replace Petar Musa in the striker position after scoring the winner against Panama.
Ghana (4-1-4-1): Benjamin Asare; Marvin Senaya, Jonas Adjetey, Jerome Opoku, Gideon Mensah; Thomas Partey; Inaki Williams, Caleb Yirenkyi, Kwasi Sibo, Antoine Semenyo; Jordan Ayew
Goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi is an injury doubt following a groin injury against Panama. Carlos Queiroz was unsure about the goalkeeper’s fitness and said, "He is still receiving treatment.”