Croatia and Ghana go head-to-head in Philadelphia on Saturday evening, with both sides knowing exactly what is at stake in their final Group L encounter at the FIFA World Cup 2026. Croatia need at least a draw to guarantee a top-two finish, while the Black Stars have already secured their passage through as a third-placed side — meaning Ghana advance regardless of the result.

Carlos Queiroz and Zlatko Dalic are also aware that a win — combined with an England defeat elsewhere — could hand either side the group title outright.

Ghana's path to the knockouts

Ghana entered this World Cup ranked 73rd in the world, yet four points from their opening two matches are already enough to see them through via the third-placed route. Should they avoid defeat, it would mark their first time advancing beyond the group stage since their famous 2010 quarter-final run.

Croatia, meanwhile, have struggled to recapture the form that made them 2018 runners-up and 2022 bronze medalists. The concerns were laid bare against Panama, and Queiroz's organised side will fancy their chances of exploiting those weaknesses in Philly.

The tactical picture

Both Croatia and Ghana beat Panama by a single goal in their respective earlier fixtures, offering a useful like-for-like comparison. Ghana's additional point came from a disciplined, clean-sheet draw with England — a result that hurt Croatia twice over, leaving them a point adrift and confirming just how defensively solid their Saturday opponents can be.

Ghana have found a defensive identity under Queiroz, though their counter-attacking threat is yet to fully materialise. Croatia still carry the technical quality of a side capable of opening any defence, but their performances have been unconvincing. A 0-0 draw looks a likely outcome for a match where caution may suit both managers.

How and where to watch

Kick-off is at 10:00pm BST / 5:00pm ET / 7:00am AEST on Sunday morning in Australia. The match is available to watch free of charge in several territories: ITV and ITVX in the UK (build-up from 8:45pm BST), SBS On Demand in Australia, RTÉ Player in Ireland, CazéTV on YouTube in Brazil, NOS in the Netherlands, RTBF/VRT in Belgium, SRF/RTS/RSI in Switzerland, and TRT in Turkey. In the United States, the game is broadcast on FS1, accessible via Fox One, YouTube TV, Hulu+Live TV, Sling, Fubo, or DirecTV.