Croatia secured a dramatic 2–1 win over Ghana at Philadelphia Stadium on Saturday. Combined with England’s victory over Panama, the result sealed Croatia’s place in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup as Group L runners-up with six points.

The Black Stars, already qualified, finished third in the group with four points and now await the Group K winners.

Here are the best moments and highlights from this Matchday 3 group-stage thriller.

CROATIA BREAKS THE DEADLOCK

A stunning strike from 22-year-old Petar Sučić finally breaks the tension for Croatia after a disciplined Ghanaian defense had kept them at bay.

Nikola Vlašić had already come close in the 16th minute with a similar long-range effort that crashed off the post.

BLACK STARS STRIKE BACK

Under Carlos Queiroz, Ghana briefly climbed to second in the group after Derrick Luckassen’s 73rd-minute header—confirmed by VAR—restoring hope in a tense contest.

VLAŠIĆ DELIVERS THE KNOCKOUT

But Nikola Vlašić had the final say in the 83rd minute, capitalizing after a big save from Benjamin Asare to secure Croatia’s win and qualification.

The Vatreni go through and could face Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal in the Round of 16.

How far can both sides go in the knockout stage?

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