Croatia vs Ghana: kick-off, permutations and how to watch
Croatia vs Ghana kicks off at 17:00 local time in Philadelphia on Saturday, 27 June (21:00 GMT, 22:00 BST) at Lincoln Financial Field. Ghana can seal a World Cup round-of-32 place with a draw; Croatia likely needs at least a point after beating Panama 1-0. Watch on ITV in the UK or Fox Sports in the US.
Group L's finale is a first-ever meeting with quietly bizarre stakes. Ghana arrive unbeaten on four points with back-to-back clean sheets, while Croatia must respond after a 4-2 opening loss to England. In a tournament where a drab draw can suit both sides, this clash fits our Bizarre World brief.
Key Takeaways
- Kick-off: Saturday 27 June, 17:00 Philadelphia / 21:00 GMT / 22:00 BST at Lincoln Financial Field.
- Ghana (4 pts) can reach the last 32 with a draw; Croatia (3 pts) must win to guarantee progression, though a draw would likely suffice.
- Ghana have not conceded in two matches; Croatia rebounded with Ante Budimir's winner against Panama.
- Benjamin Asare impressed in goal against England, but Lawrence Ati-Zigi may return from a groin issue.
- UK viewers can watch on ITV; US coverage is on Fox Sports. Racing Post lists Croatia at 3-4.
When does Croatia vs Ghana kick off?
The Group L decider is on Saturday, 27 June at Lincoln Financial Field. Local kick-off is 17:00, which translates to 21:00 GMT, 22:00 BST and 23:00 CAT, according to ESPN. Sports Illustrated and Racing Post both list a 10 p.m. BST start, with ITV4 carrying the match in Britain.
What do Croatia and Ghana need to qualify?
Ghana enter on four points after beating Panama 1-0 and drawing 0-0 with England. ESPN reports they can seal a last-32 berth with a draw—and may not even need that if other results break their way. The top two in each group advance, along with the eight best third-placed teams.
Ghana are already guaranteed at least third with four points and would secure second by holding Croatia to a draw, per ESPN. Croatia sit on three points after losing 4-2 to England and beating Panama 1-0. Sports Illustrated says they must beat Ghana to guarantee safe passage, although a draw would likely be enough.
Ghana could top Group L if they beat Croatia and England drop points against Panama, though Sports Illustrated calls that unlikely and predicts a 0-0 stalemate. Racing Post tips Ghana or draw at 11-10, citing the Black Stars' plan to frustrate an ageing Croatian attack.
Who is in the teams and what is the team news?
Croatia manager Zlatko Dalić switched to a 4-2-3-1 against Panama after struggling with a back three in the opener. Sports Illustrated expects Marin Pongračić to keep his place ahead of Luka Vušković, with Ante Budimir likely starting after his winner off the bench.
The predicted Croatia XI is Livaković; Stanišić, Šutalo, Pongračić, Gvardiol; Modrić, Kovačić; Marco Pašalić, Baturina, Perišić; Budimir. Carlos Queiroz is expected to retain the Ghana side that drew with England: Asare; Senaya, Adjetey, Opoku, Mensah; Yirenkyi, Partey, Sibo; Williams, Ayew, Semenyo.
Lawrence Ati-Zigi missed the England game with a groin problem but is likely available again, ESPN reports. Benjamin Asare's strong display has left Black Stars fans divided on who starts in goal. ESPN notes Ghana are one of only four teams yet to concede at this World Cup.
How can you watch Croatia vs Ghana?
In the UK, ITV will broadcast the match. US viewers can tune in via Fox Sports, while GTV will show the game in Ghana. ESPN also lists Sporty TV and SuperSport for Sub-Saharan Africa, Zee5 in India and SBS in Australia. Sports Illustrated adds Fox Sports 1 and fuboTV as US options.