2026 World Cup: Ghana one win away from Knockout stage ahead of Croatia test

Ghana's Black Stars have arrived in Philadelphia ahead of their decisive Group L encounter against Croatia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with qualification to the Round of 32 firmly within their grasp.

The team touched down on Thursday evening after travelling from Providence, Rhode Island, where they held a recovery session at Bryant University following their impressive goalless draw against England on Tuesday.

The Black Stars produced a disciplined defensive performance against the Three Lions at Boston Stadium, earning a valuable point that kept them level with England at the top of Group L.

Head coach Carlos Queiroz and his technical team are expected to oversee the squad's only official training session on Friday, June 26, at Lincoln Financial Field, the venue for Saturday's highly anticipated clash.

The session will provide the coaching staff with an opportunity to fine-tune tactics, assess player fitness, and make final decisions ahead of what promises to be one of Ghana's biggest matches of the tournament so far.

With confidence high following a victory over Panama and a resilient draw against England, the Black Stars will be aiming to maintain their unbeaten run.

After two group matches, Ghana sits joint top of Group L alongside England with four points.

The Black Stars opened their campaign with a victory over Panama before holding England to a 0-0 draw, leaving them well placed to qualify for the knockout stage.

Current Group L standings:

• Ghana – 4 points
• England – 4 points
• Croatia – 3 points
• Panama – 0 points

The final round of group matches will determine which two nations progress to the Round of 32.

A win against Croatia will guarantee Ghana a place in the Round of 32, marking the country's first appearance in the FIFA World Cup knockout stages since the historic 2010 tournament in South Africa.

That achievement would represent another major milestone for the Black Stars, who reached the quarter-finals in 2010 and narrowly missed becoming the first African nation to reach the World Cup semi-finals.

Should Ghana secure maximum points, the Black Stars could also finish as Group L winners, depending on the outcome of England's match against Panama.

If Ghana tops Group L, Carlos Queiroz's side will face one of the best third-placed teams emerging from Groups E, H, I, J, or K.

However, if the Black Stars qualify as runners-up, they will meet the second-placed team from Group K in the Round of 32.

With qualification still open to three teams, Saturday's fixtures promise to deliver high drama as Ghana, England and Croatia battle for progression to the knockout phase.

Expectations remain high among Ghanaian supporters around the world as the Black Stars prepare for arguably their biggest test of the group stage.

A positive result against Croatia would not only extend Ghana's unbeaten run at the tournament but also revive memories of the country's memorable World Cup exploits and keep alive hopes of another deep run on football's biggest stage.