BW Arabia Bahrain - Croatia vs Ghana: World Cup Group L Round 3
CWinner: Croatia
GHT 1 – 0
Croatia
4-2-3-1
Zlatko Dalic
CHT: 1 – 0
Winner: Croatia
GGhana
4-1-2-3
Carlos Queiroz
Updated:
Full Time
2 – 1
Full Time
2 – 1
Half Time
1 – 0
Goal Scorers
Kojo Peprah Oppeng
Away
In: Marco Pasalic
Out: Martin Baturina
In: Josko Gvardiol
Out: Nikola Vlasic
In: Caleb Yirenkyi
Out: Kwasi Sibo
Nikola Vlasic
Assist: Luka Modric
In: Mario Pasalic
Out: Mateo Kovacic
Derrick Luckassen
Assist: Ernest Nuamah
[Deleted]
In: Brandon Thomas-Asante
Out: Jordan Ayew
In: Ernest Nuamah
Out: Kamaldeen Sulemana
Ivan Perisic
Home
In: Igor Matanovic
Out: Ante Budimir
In: Kojo Peprah Oppeng
Out: Jonas Adjei Adjetey
In: Abdul Issahaku
Out: Elisha Owusu
Petar Sucic
Assist: Mateo Kovacic
2K vs Croatia
Petar Sucic
Bosnia-Herzegovina
Midfielder
Assists
BallPossession
Corners
CounterAttacks
Fouls
FreeKicks
GoalAttempts
GoalKicks
Goals
Offsides
RedCards
Saves
ShotsOffTarget
ShotsOnTarget
Substitutions
ThrowsIn
Treatments
YellowCards
Attacks
DangerousAttacks
TotalPasses
Croatia
4-2-3-1 · Zlatko Dalic
Goalkeeper
Defenders
Midfielders
Forwards
Bench (15)
Ghana
4-1-2-3 · Carlos Queiroz
Goalkeeper
Defenders
Midfielders
Forwards
Bench (15)
BW Arabia Bahrain - Croatia vs Ghana Match Preview, Prediction and Tactical Analysis
World Cup Group L Round 3 at Lincoln Financial Field, USA.
World Cup Group L Round 3 will bring a sharp contrast in early momentum as Croatia and Ghana meet at Lincoln Financial Field on 2026-06-27. Croatia enter with 0 points, 2 goals for and 4 against, while Ghana arrive with 3 points, 1 goal for and 0 against. That makes this a meeting shaped by immediate table pressure: Croatia will be searching for a first response, and Ghana will be trying to hold the position they have earned from their opening victory. For fans in Bahrain, the appeal is clear, because this is exactly the kind of fixture where standings can shift quickly.
Zlatko Dalic's Croatia will know the numbers demand a cleaner performance. One defeat from 1 match, a goal difference of -2, and 4 goals conceded all point to a side that will need greater control without the ball and more restraint in transition. With 2 goals scored, Croatia have shown enough to threaten, but not enough to turn that threat into points. The home side's challenge will be to make Lincoln Financial Field feel like a place where their early campaign can reset, because a second setback would deepen the gap to the teams above them in World Cup Group L.
Carlos Queiroz's Ghana, by contrast, come in with the compact profile of a side that has already handled its first assignment. Their record of 1 win from 1 match, 3 points, 1 goal for and 0 against gives them a platform built on control and efficiency. A goal difference of 1 may not dominate a table, but it carries real value in a short group campaign. Ghana's task will be to preserve that discipline against a Croatia side that has more to prove at this stage, and their place at 2nd in the standings is a reminder that every detail now matters.
- Croatia's 0 points and 4 goals conceded from 1 match underline the need for a much steadier defensive structure in Round 3.
- Ghana's 3 points, 1 goal scored, and 0 goals conceded offer a clear base of confidence entering Lincoln Financial Field.
- Zlatko Dalic and Carlos Queiroz bring contrasting table situations into the same fixture, with one team seeking recovery and the other seeking protection of a strong start.
- For supporters in Bahrain, World Cup Group L offers a straightforward measure of pressure: Croatia must respond, while Ghana can make their early advantage count again.
The balance of the meeting is therefore defined less by reputation than by numbers already on the board. Croatia's 4 goals against and -2 goal difference will ask for immediate correction, while Ghana's clean sheet record and 3 points suggest a side comfortable with managing matches from a position of strength. In a group setting, that difference in current form can shape not only approach but also temperament, especially when the margin for error is already visible in the standings.
Lincoln Financial Field adds another layer of importance, because venue and timing will sharpen the sense that this is not a casual fixture. Croatia will want the reassurance of an early positive spell, while Ghana can lean on the authority of their unbeaten start. For Bahrain audiences, the attraction lies in the table itself: 4th against 2nd, 0 points against 3, and two coaches who will read this contest as a direct test of control. The result will matter immediately to both sides in World Cup Group L.
That is why this match should be followed closely in Bahrain: Croatia will be chasing a reset, and Ghana will be defending the position they have already built in World Cup Group L Round 3.
Author
BW Arabia Editorial Team - Sports Analysis UnitThe BW Arabia Editorial Team delivers expert sports analysis, match insights, and data-driven coverage across regional and global competitions.
What time is kickoff in Bahrain?
Croatia vs Ghana kicks off on Sunday 28 June 2026 at 00:00 Bahrain time.
Where can I watch the match in Bahrain?
Local broadcast partners for Bahrain have not been confirmed at the time of writing. Check official Bahrain broadcast partners or your local rights holder for confirmed coverage.
Which players are injured or suspended?
There are no listed injuries or suspensions for Croatia or Ghana in the available data.
What is the head-to-head record?
Croatia and Ghana have no recorded wins for either side and no draws across the last 8 meetings in the available summary.
What competition and round is this?
This is World Cup Group L, Round 3, at Lincoln Financial Field in USA.
Home · Goal
In: Kojo Peprah Oppeng
Out: Jonas Adjei Adjetey
Ghana · Substitution
In: Abdul Issahaku
Out: Elisha Owusu
Ghana · Substitution
In: Igor Matanovic
Out: Ante Budimir
Croatia · Substitution
Home · Yellow Card
In: Brandon Thomas-Asante
Out: Jordan Ayew
Ghana · Substitution
In: Ernest Nuamah
Out: Kamaldeen Sulemana
Ghana · Substitution
Away · Goal
Away · Goal
In: Mario Pasalic
Out: Mateo Kovacic
Croatia · Substitution
Home · Goal
In: Caleb Yirenkyi
Out: Kwasi Sibo
Ghana · Substitution
In: Marco Pasalic
Out: Martin Baturina
Croatia · Substitution
In: Josko Gvardiol
Out: Nikola Vlasic
Croatia · Substitution
Away · Yellow Card
That's it! The referee blows the final whistle
Goal kick for Croatia
Abdul Fatawu from Ghana sends an effort wide of target
Abdul Fatawu goes for goal, but the shot lacks precision and sails wide
Space opens up for Abdul Fatawu but his finish goes wide of the target. Could have done better there.
Chance! Abdul Fatawu finds some room for a shot but fails to work the keeper. It's a goal kick
Marin Pongracic relieves the pressure with a clearance
Ghana are in control of the ball.
Ghana take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
Ernest Nuamah from Ghana intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Ball possession: Croatia: 53%, Ghana: 47%.
Luka Modric from Croatia takes a short corner kick from the left.
Marvin Senaya from Ghana intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Yellow card for Kojo Peprah Oppong
Kojo Peprah Oppong is shown a yellow card by the referee
The referee signals a free kick as Kojo Peprah Oppong from Ghana trips Igor Matanovic
Luka Modric successfully blocks the shot
A shot by Marvin Senaya is blocked
Ghana are in control of the ball.
Goal kick for Ghana
Luka Modric from Croatia takes a short corner kick from the right.
Gideon Mensah relieves the pressure with a clearance
Caleb Yirenkyi successfully blocks the shot
A shot by Mario Pasalic is blocked
Show all 250 entries
The fourth official shows there are 7 minute(s) of time to be added
The referee signals a free kick as Marin Pongracic from Croatia trips Brandon Thomas-Asante
Marvin Senaya from Ghana intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Marvin Senaya from Ghana goes a bit too far there as the pulls down Josko Gvardiol
The referee signals a free kick as Caleb Yirenkyi from Ghana trips Petar Sucic
Ball possession: Croatia: 54%, Ghana: 46%.
Igor Matanovic from Croatia is ruled offside
Antoine Semenyo from Ghana is ruled offside
The game is restarted
Ghana take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
Nikola Vlasic is leaving the field to be replaced by Josko Gvardiol in a tactical substitution.
Martin Baturina is leaving the field to be replaced by Marco Pasalic in a tactical substitution.
Antoine Semenyo is down injured and receives medical treatment on the field.
Play has been stopped because there is a player lying on the pitch.
Croatia are in control of the ball.
Derrick Luckassen from Ghana intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Ivan Perisic makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Ball possession: Croatia: 53%, Ghana: 47%.
Kwasi Sibo is leaving the field to be replaced by Caleb Yirenkyi in a tactical substitution.
Kwasi Sibo is penalised for pushing Igor Matanovic
Luka Modric provided the assist for the goal.
G O O O A A A L - Nikola Vlasic Croatia scores with a header.
Luka Modric from Croatia swings in the corner from the right.
Mario Pasalic shoots from outside the box, but Benjamin Asare has it under control
Mario Pasalic tries his luck from distance but his effort ends up safely in the hands of Benjamin Asare
Kwasi Sibo could cost his team a goal after a defensive blunder.
Croatia are trying to create something here.
The referee signals a free kick as Martin Baturina from Croatia trips Marvin Senaya
The referee signals a free kick as Nikola Vlasic from Croatia trips Abdul Fatawu
Ball possession: Croatia: 53%, Ghana: 47%.
Croatia take a throw-in in their own half of the field
Croatia are in control of the ball.
Mateo Kovacic is leaving the field to be replaced by Mario Pasalic in a tactical substitution.
The cross by Ernest Nuamah from Ghana successfully finds a teammate in the box.
GOAL! After a review of the situation, the referee changed the initial decision and awards a goal for Ghana!
VAR - GOAL! - The referee has stopped the play. VAR check in progress, a potential goal for Ghana.
Derrick Luckassen managed to score from an easy position.
Ernest Nuamah provided the assist for the goal.
G O O O A A A L - Derrick Luckassen scores with the left foot!
G O O O O A A A L Ghana score
Kwasi Sibo from Ghana is ruled offside
Marin Pongracic is penalised for pushing Thomas Partey
Ghana take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
The game is restarted
Kamaldeen Sulemana is leaving the field to be replaced by Ernest Nuamah in a tactical substitution.
Jordan Ayew is leaving the field to be replaced by Brandon Thomas-Asante in a tactical substitution.
Ball possession: Croatia: 53%, Ghana: 47%.
Water break. It's hot out there today and the game is paused so the players can take some liquids on-board.
Yellow card for Ivan Perisic
Ivan Perisic is shown a yellow card by the referee
The referee signals a free kick as Ivan Perisic from Croatia trips Abdul Fatawu
Kwasi Sibo makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Today's attendance is 68324
Goal kick for Croatia
Ante Budimir is leaving the field to be replaced by Igor Matanovic in a tactical substitution.
Josip Sutalo from Croatia intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Jordan Ayew swings in the ball from a corner on the left, but it is nowhere near a teammate.
Josip Stanisic from Croatia intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Derrick Luckassen wins an air challenge against Ante Budimir
Ball possession: Croatia: 51%, Ghana: 49%.
Ghana are in control of the ball.
Croatia are in control of the ball.
Josip Sutalo relieves the pressure with a clearance
Kamaldeen Sulemana makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Petar Sucic could cost his team a goal after a defensive blunder.
Croatia are in control of the ball.
Benjamin Asare from Ghana intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Croatia are trying to create something here.
Marvin Senaya from Ghana intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Croatia are trying to create something here.
Ball possession: Croatia: 50%, Ghana: 50%.
Dangerous challenge by Jordan Ayew from Ghana. Dominik Livakovic on the receiving end of that.
Marin Pongracic from Croatia intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Ghana are in control of the ball.
Ghana take a throw-in in their own half of the field
Croatia take a throw-in in their own half of the field
Marin Pongracic makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Croatia take a throw-in in their own half of the field
Luka Modric successfully blocks the shot
A shot by Kamaldeen Sulemana is blocked
Dominik Livakovic from Croatia intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Jordan Ayew swings in the ball from a corner on the left, but it is nowhere near a teammate.
Luka Modric from Croatia intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Ante Budimir is penalised for pushing Derrick Luckassen
Derrick Luckassen relieves the pressure with a clearance
Ball possession: Croatia: 52%, Ghana: 48%.
Safe hands from Benjamin Asare as he comes out and claims the ball
Croatia are trying to create something here.
Ivan Perisic makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
The referee signals a free kick as Marvin Senaya from Ghana trips Martin Baturina
Antoine Semenyo from Ghana is ruled offside
Abdul Fatawu makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Mateo Kovacic could cost his team a goal after a defensive blunder.
Croatia take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
Goal kick for Croatia
Ante Budimir from Croatia commits a foul by elbowing Marvin Senaya
Croatia take a throw-in in their own half of the field
Kamaldeen Sulemana makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Ball possession: Croatia: 52%, Ghana: 48%.
Josip Sutalo from Croatia intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Marvin Senaya makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Ghana are in control of the ball.
Croatia take a throw-in in their own half of the field
Marvin Senaya makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Ghana are in control of the ball.
Goal kick for Croatia
Abdul Fatawu fails to find the target with a shot from outside the box
Ghana are trying to create something here.
Ghana are in control of the ball.
Elisha Owusu is leaving the field to be replaced by Abdul Fatawu in a tactical substitution.
Jonas Adjetey is leaving the field to be replaced by Kojo Peprah Oppong in a tactical substitution.
The second half is underway
It's over! The referee blows for half time
Ball possession: Croatia: 54%, Ghana: 46%.
Goal kick for Ghana
Croatia take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
Derrick Luckassen from Ghana intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Thomas Partey is penalised for pushing Petar Sucic
The fourth official shows there are 3 minute(s) of time to be added
Elisha Owusu makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Croatia are in control of the ball.
Nikola Vlasic makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Ball possession: Croatia: 52%, Ghana: 48%.
Ghana are in control of the ball.
Jonas Adjetey from Ghana intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Marvin Senaya from Ghana intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
The cross by Petar Sucic from Croatia successfully finds a teammate in the box.
Nikola Vlasic from Croatia goes a bit too far there as the pulls down Gideon Mensah
Goal kick for Croatia
Martin Baturina from Croatia intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Antoine Semenyo wins an air challenge against Ivan Perisic
Ghana are in control of the ball.
Croatia are in control of the ball.
Goal kick for Croatia
Antoine Semenyo from Ghana sends a shot inches wide of the post. Close!
Ghana are trying to create something here.
Ghana take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
Josip Sutalo relieves the pressure with a clearance
Ball possession: Croatia: 52%, Ghana: 48%.
Goal kick for Ghana
Croatia are in control of the ball.
Elisha Owusu successfully blocks the shot
A shot by Mateo Kovacic is blocked
Gideon Mensah from Ghana intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Croatia take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
Croatia take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
Croatia take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
Ball possession: Croatia: 48%, Ghana: 52%.
Dangerous challenge by Kwasi Sibo from Ghana. Martin Baturina on the receiving end of that.
Marin Pongracic makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Ghana are in control of the ball.
Ghana take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
Ivan Perisic from Croatia intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Ghana are in control of the ball.
Ghana are in control of the ball.
Mateo Kovacic provided the assist for the goal.
G O O O A A A L - Petar Sucic from Croatia beats the keeper from outside the box with the right foot!
Croatia are trying to create something here.
Ivan Perisic sends a header towards goal, but Benjamin Asare is there to comfortably save it
The cross by Luka Modric from Croatia successfully finds a teammate in the box.
Ball possession: Croatia: 48%, Ghana: 52%.
The referee signals a free kick as Elisha Owusu from Ghana trips Martin Baturina
Mateo Kovacic makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Marvin Senaya wins an air challenge against Martin Baturina
Croatia are in control of the ball.
Croatia take a throw-in in their own half of the field
The game is restarted
Water break. It's hot out there today and the game is paused so the players can take some liquids on-board.
Ball possession: Croatia: 49%, Ghana: 51%.
The referee signals a free kick as Ante Budimir from Croatia trips Thomas Partey
Derrick Luckassen makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Marin Pongracic makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Thomas Partey makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Elisha Owusu could cost his team a goal after a defensive blunder.
Benjamin Asare from Ghana intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
The referee signals a free kick as Marvin Senaya from Ghana trips Luka Modric
Croatia take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
Croatia are in control of the ball.
Goal kick for Ghana
A chance presents itself to Marin Pongracic from Croatia but his header goes wide
Marin Pongracic wins an air challenge against Jonas Adjetey
The cross by Luka Modric from Croatia successfully finds a teammate in the box.
Kwasi Sibo from Ghana goes a bit too far there as the pulls down Petar Sucic
Ball possession: Croatia: 50%, Ghana: 50%.
Croatia are in control of the ball.
Ghana take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
Croatia take a throw-in in their own half of the field
Ghana are trying to create something here.
Goal kick for Ghana
Close! Nikola Vlasic with a great hit from long range that bounces off the post!
Croatia start a counter attack
Ghana take a throw-in in their own half of the field
Derrick Luckassen wins an air challenge against Ante Budimir
Nikola Vlasic wins an air challenge against Kamaldeen Sulemana
Ball possession: Croatia: 42%, Ghana: 58%.
Kwasi Sibo from Ghana intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Croatia are in control of the ball.
Croatia take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
Derrick Luckassen from Ghana intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Croatia are in control of the ball.
Goal kick for Croatia
Ghana are in control of the ball.
Gideon Mensah makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Josip Sutalo makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Ball possession: Croatia: 45%, Ghana: 55%.
Croatia take a throw-in in their own half of the field
Ghana are in control of the ball.
Benjamin Asare from Ghana intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
The referee signals a free kick as Elisha Owusu from Ghana trips Martin Baturina
Martin Baturina makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Ghana are in control of the ball.
Marin Pongracic makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Ghana are in control of the ball.
Ghana take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
Nikola Vlasic makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Ghana are in control of the ball.
Ball possession: Croatia: 66%, Ghana: 34%.
The referee signals a free kick as Kamaldeen Sulemana from Ghana trips Petar Sucic
Ghana are in control of the ball.
Ghana take a throw-in in their own half of the field
Croatia are in control of the ball.
Croatia take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
Ghana take a throw-in in their own half of the field
Croatia are in control of the ball.
The referee signals a free kick as Marvin Senaya from Ghana trips Martin Baturina
Croatia are in control of the ball.
The pitch is in fantastic condition today and the players are enjoying the surface.
Cloudy conditions overhead at the moment.
Croatia kick-off, and the game is underway.
The referee starts the match
Before we get underway, the players and crowd observe a minute's silence.
Welcome to Lincoln Financial Field, the match will start in about 5 minutes.
Welcome to Lincoln Financial Field where the two teams take the field for the start of this match.
Welcome to Lincoln Financial Field where we are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the two teams
Welcome to Lincoln Financial Field, where we await the arrival of today's teams.
Welcome to Lincoln Financial Field, now all we need are the two teams.
Welcome to today's crucial game from Lincoln Financial Field. We are awaiting the arrival of both teams, in anticipation of a great match!
Winner
Croatia
| # | Club | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
England
Qualification to next stage
|
2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| 2 |
Ghana
Possible Qualification to next stage
Qualification to next stage
|
2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 4 |
| 3 |
Croatia
Qualification to next stage
Possible Qualification to next stage
|
2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 4 | -1 | 3 |
| 4 |
Panama
Possible Qualification to next stage
|
2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | -2 | 0 |
Petar Sucic
Midfielder · Bosnia-Herzegovina
Derrick Luckassen
Defender · Netherlands
Nikola Vlasic
Midfielder · Croatia
2K vs Croatia
