Croatia 2-1 Ghana, FIFA World Cup 2026: Vlasic Header Breaks Black Stars’ Hearts As Vatreni Seal Knockout Spot
Croatia Vs Ghana Match Gallery, FIFA World Cup 2026: Croatia sealed their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stages with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Ghana in a dramatic Group L finale. Petar Sučić gave the Vatreni the lead in the 31st minute with a brilliant strike from distance, but Ghana fought back after the break and Derrick Luckassen restored parity in the 73rd minute following a VAR review. Just when the Black Stars looked set to hold on for a valuable result, Nikola Vlašić rose highest to head in Luka Modrić’s corner eight minutes from full-time and secure victory for Croatia. The win helped Croatia finish second in the group behind England, while Ghana in third place after a spirited campaign.
Ghana supporters stand in the rain before the World Cup Group L soccer match between Croatia and Ghana in Philadelphia, Saturday, June 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Croatia supporters stand in the rain before the World Cup Group L soccer match between Croatia and Ghana in Philadelphia, Saturday, June 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Ghana players warm up before the World Cup Group L soccer match between Croatia and Ghana in Philadelphia, Saturday, June 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Players take the field before during the World Cup Group L soccer match between Croatia and Ghana in Philadelphia, Saturday, June 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Croatia players line up during the World Cup Group L soccer match between Croatia and Ghana in Philadelphia, Saturday, June 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Petr Josek)
Ghana huddle before the World Cup Group L soccer match between Croatia and Ghana in Philadelphia, Saturday, June 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Croatia's Petar Sucic (17), left, vies for the ball with Ghana's Kamaldeen Sulemana (22) during the World Cup Group L soccer match between Croatia and Ghana in Philadelphia, Saturday, June 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Petr Josek)
Croatia's Luka Modric (10) looks on during the World Cup Group L soccer match between Croatia and Ghana in Philadelphia, Saturday, June 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Croatia's Nikola Vlasic (13), center, and his teammate Croatia's Mateo Kovacic (8) react after missing a scoring chance during the World Cup Group L soccer match between Croatia and Ghana in Philadelphia, Saturday, June 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Petr Josek)
Croatia's Petar Sucic (17), left, tries a shot during the World Cup Group L soccer match between Croatia and Ghana in Philadelphia, Saturday, June 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Petr Josek)
Croatia's Petar Sucic (17) celebrates after scoring his side's opening goalbduring the World Cup Group L soccer match between Croatia and Ghana in Philadelphia, Saturday, June 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Croatia's Ivan Perisic (14) battles for a header with Ghana's Antoine Semenyo (11) during the World Cup Group L soccer match between Croatia and Ghana in Philadelphia, Saturday, June 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Croatia's Nikola Vlasic (13) grabs the jersey of Ghana's Gideon Mensah (14) during the World Cup Group L soccer match between Croatia and Ghana in Philadelphia, Saturday, June 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Ghana's Antoine Semenyo (11), center, tries a shot during the World Cup Group L soccer match between Croatia and Ghana in Philadelphia, Saturday, June 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Petr Josek)
Ghana's Derrick Luckassen (23) celebrates after scoring his side's first goal during the World Cup Group L soccer match between Croatia and Ghana in Philadelphia, Saturday, June 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Petr Josek)
Ghana's Derrick Luckassen (23) celebrates after scoring his side's first goal during the World Cup Group L soccer match between Croatia and Ghana in Philadelphia, Saturday, June 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Petr Josek)
Croatia's Nikola Vlasic (13) scores his side's second goal during the World Cup Group L soccer match between Croatia and Ghana in Philadelphia, Saturday, June 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Petr Josek)
Croatia's Nikola Vlasic (13) celebrates with teammates after scoring his side's second goal during the World Cup Group L soccer match between Croatia and Ghana in Philadelphia, Saturday, June 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Croatia's Nikola Vlasic (13) celebrates with teammates after scoring his side's second goal during the World Cup Group L soccer match between Croatia and Ghana in Philadelphia, Saturday, June 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Croatia's Nikola Vlasic (13) celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the World Cup Group L soccer match between Croatia and Ghana in Philadelphia, Saturday, June 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Petr Josek)
Croatia's Luka Modric (10) and Nikola Vlasic (13) celebrate a win during the World Cup Group L soccer match between Croatia and Ghana in Philadelphia, Saturday, June 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Croatia players celebrate a win during the World Cup Group L soccer match between Croatia and Ghana in Philadelphia, Saturday, June 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Ghana goalkeeper Benjamin Asare (16) helps up Marvin Senaya (26) after a loss during the World Cup Group L soccer match between Croatia and Ghana in Philadelphia, Saturday, June 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Ghana's Marvin Senaya (26) reacts at the end of the World Cup Group L soccer match between Croatia and Ghana in Philadelphia, Saturday, June 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Petr Josek)
Croatia players pose for a team photo following their victory over Ghana in a World Cup Group L soccer match in Philadelphia, Saturday, June 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
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