Croatia clinches second place in World Cup 2026 Group L, advances to round of 32

Croatia defeated Ghana 2‑1 in Philadelphia on the final matchday of Group L at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Petar Sučić opened the scoring in the 31st minute, and Nikola Vlašić headed the winner in the 83rd after Luka Montrić delivered a corner. The victory secured Croatia’s second‑place finish in the group and a spot in the round of 32, where they will meet the runner‑up of Group K (Portugal or Colombia). Ghana, despite the loss, remained third in the group and qualified as one of the best third‑placed teams, awaiting its knockout opponent. Croatia entered the match after a 1‑0 win over Panama and a 2‑4 loss to England, while Ghana had previously drawn 1‑1 with England and beaten Panama 2‑1.