Vlašić header sends Croatia past Ghana into World Cup round of 32

Croatia advanced to the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Saturday with a 2-1 victory over Ghana at Philadelphia Stadium, finishing second in Group L behind England. Petar Sučić opened the scoring, Derrick Luckassen equalized for Ghana, and Nikola Vlašić headed in the winner from a Luka Modrić corner kick to send Croatia through.

A Lead Won, Lost, and Regained

Croatia took control early, with Sučić breaking the deadlock in the 31st minute with a powerful strike from outside the penalty area. The lead held through halftime, but Ghana raised its intensity after the break and equalized in the 73rd minute when Luckassen scored a goal that was confirmed following a video review. The match appeared headed for a draw that would have suited both teams, but Croatia found a response ten minutes later. In the 83rd minute, Modrić delivered a corner and Vlašić rose to head home the winner, according to Reuters and the Associated Press.reuters+1

Group L Settled

In the parallel match, England defeated Panama 2-0 at New York New Jersey Stadium to clinch first place in the group. Croatia finished second with six points from two wins and one loss, while Ghana ended third with four points after beating Panama and drawing with England in earlier rounds. Ghana's third-place finish was still enough to advance as one of the best third-placed teams — its first World Cup knockout-stage appearance since 2010, according to the Associated Press.sports.yahoo+1

What Comes Next

Croatia will face the Group K runner-up on Thursday, July 2 at BMO Field in Toronto. Ghana awaits its Round of 32 assignment from the draw of advancing third-placed teams. For Croatia, which finished as runners-up in 2018 and third in 2022, the victory extended the nation's record of deep World Cup runs. At 40, Modrić's assist on the decisive goal underscored his enduring influence as the team enters the single-elimination phase of the expanded 48-team tournament.sports.yahoo