Croatia defeated Ghana 2-1 in a thrilling Group L encounter to qualify for the last 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Despite the defeat, Ghana also advanced to the knockout stage as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.
The match, played in Philadelphia, saw Croatia dominate the early stages. Midfielder Petar Sučić opened the scoring in the 34th minute with a well-taken finish after being set up by Mateo Kovačić, giving Croatia a 1-0 lead at halftime.
Ghana responded strongly after the break and equalised in the 73rd minute when defender Derrick Luckassen headed home a cross from Ernest Nuamah. After a lengthy four-minute VAR review, the goal was confirmed.
With Ghana pushing for a winner, Croatia struck the decisive blow in the 83rd minute. Veteran captain Luka Modrić delivered a pinpoint cross that was headed into the net by Nikola Vlašić, sealing a crucial 2-1 victory.
The win saw Croatia finish second in Group L, behind England, who retained top spot after defeating Panama in their final group match. Ghana also progressed to the Round of 32 as one of the best third-placed teams, while Scotland was eliminated from the tournament.
Earlier, Cape Verde made history on Sunday night as the first squad to make it to the knockout phase in a World Cup debut in 20 years after winning a goalless draw against Saudi Arabia in their last Group H game.
The match resulted in the tiny island qualifying for the Round of 32, having scored their three points from group-stage draws.
Spain topped Group H with seven points, while Saudi Arabia and Uruguay were out with two points each.
Cape Verde moved on thanks to Uruguay’s 1-0 loss to Spain in the other group game.
Cape Verde (67th on the FIFA rankings list) had already surprised many by keeping the tournament favourites Spain on their toes and forcing them to draw, earlier in the tournament.
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The country off the Atlantic coast of Africa also qualified for the World Cup for the first time, making it the smallest nation to get to the knockout stage in World Cup history.
Their latest game was goalless, but Cape Verde had the more threatening side, and the better chances.
They did have their best chance in the 74th minute when Nuno da Costa sprinted onto a long pass before finding Laros Duarte, who headed a well-weighted shot to be brilliantly saved by the Saudi goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Owais.
Da Costa made a double threat in the second half, but could not convert either attempt.
Saudi Arabia’s one chance before half-time was with Mohamed Kanno’s header which was easily intercepted by Cape Verde keeper Vozinha.
Vozinha saved three goals and helped his team qualify for the knockout stages.
Cape Verde will now play defending champion Argentina in the Round of 32 on Friday.
