Croatia face Ghana at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia in a Group L decider that could end one nation's World Cup dream on the spot.

Croatia sit third on three points after splitting their opening two matches: a 4-2 loss to England followed by a gritty 1-0 win over Panama. Ghana, meanwhile, are unbeaten with four points courtesy of a last-gasp 1-0 win over Panama and a stubborn 0-0 draw against England.

The maths is straightforward: Croatia must win to guarantee their spot in the knockout rounds, while Ghana need only avoid defeat to advance.

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Croatia vs Ghana prediction

Croatia to win in a low-scoring affair is the play here. The Vatreni carry superior individual quality through the spine of the team - Luka Modrić orchestrating from midfield at age 40, Mateo Kovačić pulling strings alongside him, and Joško Gvardiol providing defensive steel at the back.

This is almost certainly Modrić's final World Cup, and that emotional fuel should not be underestimated when a knockout-round berth is on the line.

Ghana's defensive record is impressive, but it has come at a significant cost to their attacking output. One goal in two matches (and that arrived in the 95th minute against Panama) tells you everything about where Queiroz's priorities lie.

Without Mohammed Kudus, who missed the entire tournament through injury, the Black Stars lack a genuine creative spark going forward. Iñaki Williams and Antoine Semenyo offer pace and physicality, but neither has found a way to consistently threaten in open play.

We're backing Croatia to get the job done and under 2.5 goals to land alongside it, and as our Croatia vs Ghana betting odds page shows, the markets lean the same way.

If you fancy stacking Croatia with a few other results, it's worth getting your head around what a multi bet is first, and you can size up the rest of the markets over at the World Cup betting hub.

Croatia vs Ghana team news and line-ups

Predicted Croatia line-up (4-3-3): Dominik Livakovic, Josip Stanisic, Josip Sutalo, Duje Caleta-Car, Josko Gvardiol, Mateo Kovacic, Luka Modric, Martin Baturina, Andrej Kramaric, Ivan Perisic, Ante Budimir. Needing a win to be certain of the last 16, Dalic's side are likely to play with genuine attacking intent rather than the pragmatism of previous campaigns, though the defence that conceded two against England remains the worry.

Ghana are expected to set up in a 4-1-4-1. Queiroz has built a well-drilled, defensively organised outfit that is reportedly in good form and needs to avoid defeat to progress, so expect a compact, counter-attacking approach.

Player markets to watch

Our pick: Ante Budimir anytime goalscorer.

The 34-year-old super-sub proved his worth against Panama, coming off the bench at half-time and scoring the match's only goal in the 54th minute. Against another deeply defensive side, Croatia will likely need a physical presence to attack crosses and set pieces.

Budimir offers exactly that. If Ghana's low block holds into the second half, expect Dalić to turn to him again, and his aerial ability makes him the perfect weapon against a packed defence.

Our pick: Mateo Kovačić over 40 passes completed.

Kovačić is the engine room of this Croatia midfield and will see an enormous share of possession against a Ghana side happy to sit back. In the draw against England, Ghana had just two shots to England's 19, which tells you how much of the ball Croatia can expect.

Kovačić's quick combination play and ability to progress the ball through central areas will be essential against Queiroz's compact shape, and the pass volume should take care of itself with Croatia dominating territory.

Our pick: Luka Modrić to register an assist.

The maestro will be central to everything Croatia create, and with Ghana sitting deep, the match will likely be decided by a moment of individual brilliance or a perfectly weighted final ball.

Modrić still possesses the vision and technique to unlock any defence, and with this potentially being his last meaningful World Cup appearance, the stage is set for one more magic moment from the Croatian captain.

Croatia vs Ghana Match Details

Date: Sunday, June 28, 2026.

Kick-off: 7:00am AEST.

Location: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia.

Where to watch: Sportsbet, SBS.

Where to Watch Croatia vs Ghana

For the first time ever, Sportsbet is offering punters the chance to stream World Cup matches live*.

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- Be 18+.

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World Cup streaming is available both in-app and on-web. As long as you meet the above requirements, you'll be able to tune in on your computer, tablet or phone.

To access the stream for Croatia vs Ghana simply find your way to the official betting page for this match. Or, if you have a bet on the game you can watch from your "My Bets" section.

Traditional World Cup broadcaster SBS is also showing every World Cup match, meaning you can also watch Croatia vs Ghana on either SBS, SBS Viceland or SBS On Demand.

*18+ Available to Sportsbet customers only. Conditions apply – see sportsbet.com.au

*Odds are subject to change.