Ghana XI vs Croatia – Predicted lineup and team news

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The Football Faithful

·27 Juni 2026

Ghana XI vs Croatia – Predicted lineup and team news  

Ghana face Croatia at Philadelphia Stadium on Saturday evening, needing only a draw to confirm their place in the World Cup round of 32 for the first time since their quarter-final run in 2010.

Four points from wins over Panama and a disciplined goalless draw with England have placed Carlos Queiroz’s side in a position of quiet strength. A point is enough. Victory would guarantee second place and set up a knockout tie with Portugal or Colombia.

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The Black Stars arrive in Philadelphia having not conceded a single goal at this tournament — a record that reflects the tactical discipline Queiroz has instilled since taking charge in April 2026.

Ghana team news

Lawrence Ati-Zigi has been ruled out of the remainder of the tournament with the groin injury he sustained in the first half of the opening win over Panama. The St Gallen goalkeeper attempted to play through the discomfort but was substituted at half-time and has not trained with the squad since.

Benjamin Asare, the Hearts of Oak shot-stopper, stepped in against Panama and then kept a clean sheet in the 0–0 draw with England, producing a composed and assured display that has settled any debate about his readiness to deputise.

Thomas Partey is confirmed fit and continues as the single midfield pivot, the structural cornerstone around which Ghana’s defensive shape is built. His positioning against Modric and Kovacic will be one of the evening’s central battles.

Caleb Yirenkyi and Inaki Williams both carry yellow cards into this fixture. A booking for either player would rule them out of the round of 32, and both will need to be disciplined without curtailing their effectiveness in transition.

The back four of Marvin Senaya, Jonas Adjetey, Jerome Opoku and Gideon Mensah continues unchanged. Antoine Semenyo and Inaki Williams provide the wide threat from the midfield four alongside Kwasi Sibo and Yirenkyi. Jordan Ayew leads the line as captain, his pressing and energy against Croatia’s centre-backs as important as any direct goal threat.