When the Black Stars face Croatia in their final Group L match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on June 27 at the Philadelphia stadium, they will meet one of the tournament’s most proven teams.
With a population of fewer than four million people, Croatia has built a remarkable World Cup record. In their last three appearances, they have finished runners-up once and third twice, establishing themselves as one of football’s most reliable tournament sides.
The stars of their 2018 run may be ageing, but Croatia remain technically gifted, tactically disciplined and difficult to beat. If qualification is still up for grabs, this could be Ghana’s biggest test of the group stage.
Croatia’s rise has been extraordinary. Since becoming an independent nation in the early 1990s, they have reached three World Cup semi-finals in just six appearances.
They announced themselves by finishing third at the 1998 World Cup in France, led by Davor Šuker. Twenty years later, they reached the 2018 final after beating Argentina and England before losing to France. In Qatar 2022, they stunned Brazil in the quarter-finals and went on to claim another third-place finish. Few countries have achieved so much in such a short footballing history.
Key Players for Ghana to watch
Joško Gvardiol
The Manchester City defender has emerged as the face of Croatia’s next generation. Fast, strong and comfortable in possession, Gvardiol is regarded as one of the world’s top centre-backs and will be a major obstacle for Ghana’s attack.
Luka Modrić
At 40, Modrić remains the heartbeat of the Croatian team. The 2018 Ballon d’Or winner continues to dictate games with his vision, passing and experience. He may have lost some mobility, but his influence remains immense.
Mateo Kovačić
Another Manchester City midfielder, Kovačić, provides energy, composure and ball progression. His ability to carry possession through midfield is central to Croatia’s style of play.
Andrej Kramarić
Croatia’s main attacking threat is an intelligent forward who combines sharp movement with clinical finishing. Given space, Kramarić can punish any defensive lapse.
Martin Baturina
One of Croatia’s brightest young talents, Baturina represents the future of the national team. Creative and technically gifted, he could play an increasingly important role during the tournament.
Croatia’s strength lies in midfield control. They prefer to dominate possession, dictate the tempo, and patiently wear opponents down rather than overwhelm them with pace or power.
They are especially dangerous in close matches, having built a reputation for staying calm under pressure and finding ways to win when it matters most.
Ghana might have a little difficulty when they meet Croatia because Croatia thrive in major tournaments. Their players are comfortable in high-pressure situations and rarely lose composure. Even when second best for long periods, they often find a way back into games. That resilience has become their trademark.
However, Croatia’s ageing core can be vulnerable against teams that play with intensity and aggression. Ghana have the tools to cause problems. Antoine Semenyo’s strength, Ernest Nuamah’s creativity, Kamaldeen Sulemana’s pace and Caleb Yirenkyi’s movement could stretch Croatia’s defence and disrupt their rhythm.
If the Black Stars can prevent Modrić and Kovačić from controlling midfield, they will give themselves a genuine chance of securing a positive result.
World Cup Facts about Croatia
* Runners-up in 2018.
* Third place in 1998 and 2022.
* Three World Cup semi-final appearances from six tournaments.
* Eliminated Brazil at the 2022 World Cup.
* Produced one of the most successful national teams of the modern era despite a population of under four million.
Croatia may not carry the global profile of Brazil, Argentina or Germany, but few teams have been more successful at recent World Cups.
For Ghana, the challenge will be simple: disrupt Croatia’s midfield, match their intensity, and prevent their experienced stars from dictating the game.
If qualification is on the line, expect a fascinating battle between the Black Stars and one of football’s most resilient tournament teams.
