Ghana face Croatia on Saturday 27 June 2026 in a FIFA World Cup group stage fixture on the final matchday before the new Round of 32 opens on 28 June. A classic Africa-versus-Europe meeting, the fixture pits the Black Stars against the 2018 finalists and 2022 bronze medallists as the expanded 48-team tournament edges into the knockout phase.
What is the FIFA World Cup 2026?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the 23rd edition of the men’s tournament, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from 11 June to 19 July 2026. It is the first edition to feature 48 teams and the first to be played across three host countries. Sides are drawn into 12 groups of four, with the top two from each group and the eight best third-placed finishers advancing to a new Round of 32 knockout stage.
Final-day group fixtures are played simultaneously to protect sporting integrity and stop teams playing out known scorelines. Results here set the knockout bracket.
When is Ghana vs Croatia?
The match is played on Saturday 27 June 2026. Kick-off time is confirmed in FIFA’s official match schedule. Like all final-matchday fixtures, it is played in parallel with the other game in the same group.
Where is Ghana vs Croatia?
The fixture is held at one of 16 confirmed tournament venues across the USA, Canada and Mexico. Host cities include Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle, Toronto, Vancouver, Guadalajara, Mexico City and Monterrey.
Key Contenders
Ghana return to the World Cup looking to rediscover the form that took the Black Stars to a quarter-final in 2010, still the furthest an African side has gone at the tournament alongside Morocco in 2022. The squad blends Premier League experience with a younger generation of Europe-based professionals, and Ghana remain a tactically disciplined side capable of causing upsets.
Croatia have established themselves as one of the great modern World Cup overachievers, reaching the 2018 final and finishing third at Qatar 2022. Built around Luka Modric’s generational midfield influence and a deep pool of Europe-based talent, the Vatreni are a tournament-tested side whose knockout-round pedigree carries real weight regardless of FIFA ranking.
How to Watch
UK viewers can watch on the BBC or ITV, with streaming on BBC iPlayer and ITVX. US coverage is shared between Fox in English and Telemundo in Spanish, with streaming via Fox Sports and Peacock. Canada’s CTV, TSN and RDS hold domestic rights. SBS provides free-to-air coverage in Australia. FIFA+ carries highlights globally.
History and Records
Ghana have qualified for five World Cups, with a best finish of the 2010 quarter-final where they lost on penalties to Uruguay in one of the tournament’s most dramatic matches. Croatia are World Cup runners-up from 2018 and bronze medallists in 1998 and 2022. The nations have met previously at the World Cup, notably a Ghana win at 2014 group stage.
Tickets and Attendance
Tickets are distributed through FIFA.com/tickets via staggered sales phases. Hospitality and resale windows operate through the build-up to the tournament. Prices are set by match category and seating tier.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Ghana vs Croatia kick off?
Saturday 27 June 2026. Kick-off time is confirmed in FIFA’s schedule.
Where is the match being held?
At one of 16 host venues across the USA, Canada and Mexico.
How can I watch Ghana vs Croatia?
BBC or ITV in the UK, Fox or Telemundo in the US, CTV and TSN in Canada, SBS in Australia.
How did Croatia do at the last World Cup?
Croatia finished third at Qatar 2022, losing to Argentina in the semi-final.