Croatia vs Ghana Prediction 27.06.2026 | World Cup

Croatia arrive in the birthplace of America with their World Cup destiny still hanging in the balance after enduring an inconsistent opening week, having suffered a disappointing 4-2 defeat to tournament favourites England on Matchday One despite producing a spirited and competitive display throughout the first half.

However, the Vatreni managed to steady the ship in their second outing, grinding out a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Panama courtesy of Ante Budimir's composed penalty conversion, although that narrow success has left the 2018 runners-up and 2022 third-place finishers sitting third in Group L with three points, one behind their upcoming African opponents heading into the final round of fixtures.

Zlatko Dalic's men have often produced their finest performances when facing adversity on the biggest stage, and they must once again rediscover the composure, experience and clinical edge that have defined their recent tournament success if they are to overcome a stubborn defensive unit on Saturday, knowing that only victory will guarantee their passage to the knockout stages.

Veteran captain Luka Modric, who earned his 200th international appearance during the victory over Panama, is expected to once again anchor the midfield alongside Mateo Kovacic as Croatia attempt to keep their World Cup ambitions alive and secure their place in the next round.

From their side, Ghana have emerged as one of the surprise packages in Group L thanks to a series of eye-catching performances, having opened their World Cup campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Panama before producing one of the shocks of Matchday Two by holding star-studded England to a goalless draw.

Currently occupying second place with an impressive haul of four points and boasting an unblemished defensive record, the Black Stars require only a point in Philadelphia to secure a top-two finish and progress to the knockout rounds for the first time since their memorable quarter-final run in 2010.

Having remarkably kept consecutive clean sheets during their opening 180 minutes of tournament football, the African outfit appear perfectly equipped to absorb pressure and frustrate a European side that struggled to offer any real attacking threat during their previous outing against Panama.

Head coach Carlos Queiroz is therefore expected to retain the defensive blueprint that proved so effective against England, as his side successfully neutralised one of the tournament favourites and demonstrated the tactical discipline and organisation that have become the foundation of Ghana's impressive start to the competition.