Ghana's Black Stars suffered a 2-1 defeat to Croatia in Philadelphia on Saturday, dropping to third place in Group L at the FIFA World Cup 2026. England, meanwhile, secured the group's top spot with a 2-0 victory over Panama in New Jersey.

Croatia drew first blood through Petar Sučić, who drilled a low effort from outside the penalty area into the net in the 19th minute to give his side a deserved half-time advantage.

Ghana pushed back forcefully after the break, and their persistence paid off in the 73rd minute. Derrick Luckassen — notching his first international goal — met Ernest Nuamah's pinpoint free-kick delivery with a clean volley to level the match.

Any hope of a Black Stars victory was extinguished ten minutes later, when Nikola Vlašić outjumped the defence to power a header from Luka Modrić's corner beyond the Ghana goalkeeper. That header settled the contest and confirmed Croatia in second place in the group.

The win sends Croatia into the Round of 32, while Ghana — finishing third — will take on the winners of Group K at Kansas City Stadium next Saturday.

England book top spot with Kane and Bellingham

In the group's other match, England found it difficult to break through an already-eliminated Panama side before a swift two-goal burst early in the second half settled matters.

Jude Bellingham opened the scoring in the 62nd minute, then turned creator as Harry Kane headed home England's second goal moments later to wrap up a 2-0 triumph. The result confirmed the Three Lions as Group L winners.

England will discover their Round of 32 opponents once the remaining group-stage fixtures across the tournament are completed.