Croatia vs Ghana — World Cup 2026

Tale of the tape.

Three duels that decide it.

// Central midfield orchestration · The maestros collide

L. Modrić

#10 · Real Madrid

VS

L. Sučić

#21 · Real Sociedad

Modrić's experience and vision give Croatia the edge, but Sučić's pressing intensity could disrupt the rhythm. This is where the match's tempo gets set.

// Centre-forward vs centre-back · The poacher and the wall

A. Kramarić

#9 · 1899 Hoffemheim

VS

A. Djiku

#23 · Fenerbahçe

Kramarić's intelligent movement and link-up play will test Djiku's positioning and anticipation. The Croatian's Bundesliga sharpness should find pockets of space against a resolute but occasionally exposed defence.

// Left flank threat · Pace meets positional discipline

I. Perišić

#14 · PSV Eindhoven

VS

J. Opoku

#18 · Başakşehir

Perišić's directness and Eredivisie form will stretch Opoku's defensive line, but the Ghanaian's positioning discipline and willingness to recover should keep the flank contested. A tactical battleground.

Croatia's Measured Control Meets Ghana's Reactive Intensity

Two fundamentally different philosophies collide in this group-stage encounter. Croatia brings European sophistication and midfield dominance; Ghana counters with pressing aggression and directness.

Win probability.

Even-money default — ranks not yet on file.

The bench faceoff.

Croatia · Head coach

S. Oreščanin

Ghana · Head coach

Carlos Queiroz

🇵🇹

Where to watch.

Both line-ups.

Every name in the frame — tap a player for their dossier, or a crest for the full team.

Croatia

CRO · Full dossier →

Goalkeepers5

–Raul Bezeljak1D. Livakovic12I. Pandur12A. Rajić23D. Kotarski

Defenders15

2J. Stanisic2Ivan Smolcic3M. Pongracic4J. Gvardiol5L. Puljić5D. Caleta-Car5M. Zebić5L. Vuskovic6J. Sutalo13K. Mandić17Dorian Migalic17Ante Sušak22Branimir Mlačić25M. Erlic38L. Hodak

Midfield19

–L. Bošnjak7N. Moro7Lovro Majer7Franjo Ivanovic8D. Reić8M. Kovacic10L. Modric13N. Vlasic14I. Perisic15Mario Pasalic17P. Sucic18Niko Farkaš18K. Jakic19Marco Pasalic19T. Fruk20Antonio Baždarić21L. Sucic22Josip Mišić37N. Skoko

Attack12

–M. Jovičić–Lovre Kulušić7N. Đurković9A. Kramaric11A. Budimir12F. Živković16M. Baturina20I. Matanovic20Dion Drena Beljo26P. Musa34B. Durdov43D. Babić

Ghana

GHA · Full dossier →

Goalkeepers3

1L. Zigi12J. Anang16B. Asare

Defenders9

2A. Seidu4J. Adjetey6A. Mumin14G. Mensah17A. Baba18J. Opoku21K. Peprah Oppong23D. Luckassen26M. Senaya

Midfield10

3Caleb Marfo Yirenkyi5T. Partey7A. Fatawu8K. Sibo11A. Semenyo13C. Bonsu Baah15E. Owusu19I. Williams22K. Sulemana25P. Adu

Attack4

9J. Ayew10B. Thomas-Asante19E. Nuamah20A. Boakye