Nikola Vlasic Fires Croatia into Knockouts as Group Runners-Up

Croatia secured a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 with a 2-1 win over Ghana. The result also extended their unbeaten run against African teams at the World Cup to five matches.

Both teams came into this final Group L match with a lot at stake. Ghana had already qualified for the knockout stage, while Croatia needed at least a point to go through as one of the eight best third-placed teams.

The match started cautiously, with neither side creating many chances in the opening 15 minutes. Nikola Vlasic came close with a powerful long-range effort that struck the outside of the post, before Marin Pongracic headed over from Luka Modric's free-kick.

Croatia finally broke the deadlock when Mateo Kovacic set up Petar Sucic, who fired a superb long-range shot into the bottom corner.

Ghana made a change at the start of the second half, bringing on Abdul Fatawu. The Leicester City winger almost made an instant impact, but his left-footed effort sailed just over the crossbar.

The equaliser soon arrived for Ghana after a long VAR review. Derrick Luckassen met Ernest Nuamah's free-kick at the far post and finished first time. The goal stood after officials ruled that Kwasi Sibo, who was in an offside position, did not interfere with play. The goal rewarded Ghana's improved second-half performance and briefly lifted them into second place.

However, Croatia regained the lead just 10 minutes later. Nikola Vlasic rose highest to head home Luka Modric's corner, restoring his side's advantage. That goal proved to be the winner as Croatia claimed all three points and booked a Round of 32 clash against the second-placed team from Group K on Thursday.