Philadelphia, June 27 (IANS) Croatia and Ghana head into their final Group L fixture on Saturday with qualification for the Round of 32 firmly within reach, making Philadelphia the stage for one of the group’s most important encounters.

After beginning their campaign with a defeat to England, Croatia responded in ideal fashion by edging Panama 1-0. The victory revived Zlatko Dalić’s side’s hopes, and another three points would guarantee their place in the knockout rounds. Even a draw could prove sufficient, depending on results elsewhere.

Ghana, meanwhile, have quietly put themselves in an excellent position. Carlos Queiroz’s men have collected four points from their opening two matches without conceding a goal, relying on defensive discipline rather than attacking flair. Their compact setup frustrated England before they secured a narrow win over Panama, leaving qualification almost within their grasp.

With both teams aware that avoiding defeat could be enough to progress, caution is expected to shape the contest. Croatia have vast tournament experience but no longer possess the attacking firepower that carried them to deep World Cup runs in recent years. Ghana, on the other hand, are unlikely to abandon the conservative approach that has served them so well.

While the stakes are high, the match may not produce a flood of chances. Croatia will look to dictate possession, whereas Ghana are expected to remain organised and difficult to break down in a contest where patience could ultimately outweigh ambition.

How to watch live in India:

Live streaming and live telecast of the FIFA World Cup 2026 football matches will be available on the Zee5 platform and app in India. A subscription will be needed.

Live telecast of the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be available on the Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2, and Unite8 Sports 2 HD TV channels in India.

Key details:

Date and kick-off time: Sunday, June 28, 02:30 AM (IST)

Venue: Philadelphia Stadium, USA

Referee: Drew Fischer

Squads:

Croatia –

Goalkeepers: Dominik Livakovic, Ivor Pandur, Dominik Kotarski

Defenders: Josip Stanisic, Marin Pongracic, Josko Gvardiol, Duje Caleta-Car, Josip Sutalo, Luka Vuskovic, Martin Erlic

Midfielders: Nikola Moro, Mateo Kovacic, Luka Modric, Nikola Vlasic, Mario Pasalic, Martin Baturina, Petar Sucic, Kristijan Jakic, Toni Fruk, Luka Sucic

Forwards: Andrej Kramaric, Ante Budimir, Ivan Perisic, Igor Matanovic, Marco Pasalic, Petar Musa

Ghana –

Goalkeepers: Benjamin Asare, Lawrence Ati-Zigi, Joseph Anang

Defenders: Baba Abdul Rahman, Derrick Luckassen, Gideon Mensah, Marvin Senaya, Alidu Seidu, Abdul Mumin, Jerome Opoku, Jonas Adjetey, Kojo Oppong Peprah

Midfielders: Thomas Partey, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Kwasi Sibo, Augustine Boakye, Caleb Yirenkyi, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Elisha Owusu

Forwards: Christopher Bonsu Baah, Ernest Nuamah, Antoine Semenyo, Brandon Thomas-Asante, Prince Kwabena Adu, Inaki Williams, Jordan Ayew

–IANS

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