Croatia vs Ghana Picks, Predictions & Betting Odds: World Cup 2026 Preview

Croatia vs Ghana, FIFA World Cup 2026 Group L | Saturday, June 27 | 5:00 PM ET | Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia | TV: Fox Sports

• Date: Saturday, June 27, 2026
• Kickoff: 5:00 PM ET
• Venue: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, USA
• Stage: Group L, Matchday 3
• TV/Streaming: Fox Sports (USA)

Team	P	W	D	L	GD	Pts
England	2	1	1	0	+2	4
Ghana	2	1	1	0	+1	4
Croatia	2	1	0	1	-1	3
Panama	2	0	0	2	-2	0

Why This Game Matters

Croatia sit third in Group L on three points, one behind Ghana and England. A win here almost certainly secures a place in the round of 16; a draw could be enough depending on the England vs Panama result, but a defeat would leave Croatia’s World Cup fate in others’ hands. For Ghana, a point draws level with England at the top of the group, while a win puts them through with a game to spare. The stakes are real for both sides.

Our Pick

Croatia to win at -127 (BetOnline) is the headline selection for this Group L decider in Philadelphia. With their tournament survival on the line, Zlatko Dalic’s experienced squad have the quality to edge a Ghana side that has kept a clean sheet but scored just once from open play in two matches.

Croatia vs Ghana: Preview, Picks & Betting Odds

Croatia have been here before. Entering a decisive group-stage match needing a result, with knockout pedigree and a midfield that has won World Cup medals, Dalić’s squad know exactly what is required. Their 4-2 defeat to England was damaging but the response against Panama, a 1-0 win, showed composure under pressure. Three points here secures progression, and the Croatia vs Ghana betting odds reflecting Croatia as favorites at around -127 to -130 appear well-grounded.

Ghana, under Carlos Queiroz, have been quietly effective. A 1-0 win over Panama followed by a goalless draw against England suggests a team that is organized, hard to break down, and content to absorb pressure. Queiroz’s pragmatic coaching profile suits a Ghana side that may not have the individual quality of the 2010 quarter-finalists but has the discipline to cause problems on the counter. Their tournament-scoring record tells a more cautious story: just one goal in two matches, netted by Caleb Yirenkyi.

The game is likely to be tight. Croatia will carry the attacking intent but must navigate a Ghana defensive shape that has yet to concede in this tournament. Goals may be at a premium, making the result market the cleaner angle rather than expecting a high-scoring affair in Philadelphia.

Recent Form & Trends

Croatia’s last five results:

• Panama (A): Won 1-0 – FIFA World Cup
• England (A): Lost 2-4 – FIFA World Cup
• Slovenia (H): Won 2-1 – Friendly
• Belgium (H): Lost 0-2 – Friendly
• Brazil (N): Lost 1-3 – Friendly

Croatia’s World Cup form shows exactly one win and one loss from competitive matches at this tournament. The defeat to England was heavy, but the 1-0 win over Panama demonstrated that Dalić’s squad can grind out results when concentration is required. Their qualifying campaign was dominant, going unbeaten across eight matches with 26 goals scored and only four conceded.

Ghana’s last five results:

• England (A): Drew 0-0 – FIFA World Cup
• Panama (H): Won 1-0 – FIFA World Cup
• Wales (A): Drew 1-1 – Friendly
• Mexico (A): Lost 0-2 – Friendly
• Germany (A): Lost 1-2 – Friendly

Ghana’s competitive form at this tournament is the more impressive of the two pre-match records: four points from two games, no goals conceded. Pre-tournament friendly losses to Germany and Mexico are less alarming in context, and Queiroz has clearly tightened the defensive structure since taking charge in April 2026. The concern is output: one goal from two games, and none at all against England, limits the side’s ceiling in a match they may approach conservatively.

Injuries, Suspensions & Roster News

Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalić has a strong squad available. The midfield remains one of the most experienced in this tournament: Luka Modrić has 198 caps, Mateo Kovačić has 113, and Mario Pašalić has 85. At 40, Modrić continues to feature at the top level following his move to Milan. Up front, Andrej Kramarić is the standout attacking option with 36 international goals from 116 caps, and all three of Croatia’s World Cup scorers so far, Ante Budimir, Martin Baturina, and Petar Musa, are available.

Ghana manager Carlos Queiroz is without any confirmed suspensions heading into the match. Captain Jordan Ayew, the side’s most experienced forward with 120 caps, leads the line. Thomas Partey, now 33 and operating out of Villarreal, remains central to midfield. Attacking options are younger, with Ernest Nuamah, Kamaldeen Sulemana, and Abdul Fatawu all under 25 and capable of the direct running that Queiroz will want to deploy on the counter. No significant injury concerns have been flagged entering this fixture.

Expected Lineups

Croatia (4-3-3): Livaković; Stanišić, Pongračić, Gvardiol, Ćaleta-Car; Kovačić, Modrić (c), Mario Pašalić; Vlašić, Kramarić, Perišić

Ghana (4-4-2): Ati-Zigi; Seidu, Jerome Opoku, Mumin, Baba; Semenyo, Partey, Elisha Owusu, Kamaldeen Sulemana; Iñaki Williams, Jordan Ayew (c)

Predicted lineups – squads to be confirmed.

Key Matchup to Watch

The contest between Mateo Kovačić and Thomas Partey in the middle of the park shapes the entire game. Kovačić, with 113 caps and the positional intelligence that comes from operating at the elite level for over a decade at Manchester City, will look to control tempo and dictate Croatia’s attacking buildup. Partey, 33 and still Ghana’s most complete defensive midfielder, carries the responsibility of disrupting that rhythm and launching Ghana’s counter-attacks. Croatia’s ability to move the ball quickly through Kovačić and Modrić created the platform for their clean sheet against Panama. If Partey can press high and force Croatia into errors, Ghana’s pace in behind through Nuamah and Sulemana becomes genuinely threatening.

Best Bets & Expert Picks

• Main Pick: Croatia to Win – Odds: -127 (BetOnline). Croatia’s tournament survival depends on this result, giving them a psychological edge in commitment and urgency. Their qualifying record of seven wins from eight, including 26 goals, shows a team capable of breaking down organized defenses when it matters.
• Goals Market: Under 2.5 Goals – Odds: -140 (Lucky Rebel / BetNow). Ghana have conceded zero goals and scored just one in two World Cup games. Croatia ground out a 1-0 win in their last fixture. Both teams trend toward low-scoring, structured encounters in this tournament, and the best available price on under 2.5 goals reflects a market that sees the same thing.
• Scorer Market: Andrej Kramarić Anytime Scorer. With 36 international goals from 116 caps and the most prolific recent scoring record in the Croatia squad, Kramarić is the likeliest route to goal if Croatia take the lead. He scored in qualifying and is the focal point of Croatia’s forward line when a result is needed.
• Additional Pick: Croatia Win to Nil. Ghana have scored only once in two matches and Queiroz is likely to prioritize defensive shape. If Croatia get in front early, Ghana’s counter-attacking setup may leave them short of cutting-edge options to respond, and Dominik Livaković’s record as one of the better shot-stoppers in this squad adds weight to a shutout scenario.

Betting Odds & Lines

Current match lines for Croatia vs Ghana from the three approved operators are listed below.

Outcome	BetOnline	Lucky Rebel	BetNow
Croatia Win	-127	-130	-130
Draw	+235	+240	+240
Ghana Win	+450	+468	+468

Totals (2.5)	BetOnline	Lucky Rebel	BetNow
Over 2.5	+125	+123	+123
Under 2.5	-165	-140	-140

How to Watch & Where to Bet

How to Watch

Croatia vs Ghana kicks off at 5:00 PM ET on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. The match is broadcast in the United States on Fox Sports and Telemundo. International broadcast options include ITV and BBC in the UK, RTE and Virgin Media in Ireland, Globo and SporTV in Brazil, TF1 and beIN Sports in France, ARD, ZDF, and MagentaTV in Germany, and TyC Sports and TV Publica in Argentina.

How to Bet

To place a wager on Croatia vs Ghana at one of the approved operators, follow these steps:

1. Choose a licensed sportsbook: BetOnline, Lucky Rebel, or BetNow are all accepting action on this fixture.
2. Navigate to the sportsbook’s website or download the mobile app.
3. Create an account and verify your identity in accordance with the operator’s registration requirements.
4. Deposit funds using your preferred payment method, including crypto options at BetNow.
5. Go to the Soccer or FIFA World Cup 2026 section of the betting menu.
6. Locate Croatia vs Ghana under Group L, Matchday 3.
7. Select your market, confirm the odds displayed, and enter your stake.
8. Review your bet slip carefully and confirm the wager before submission.

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