Croatia v Ghana – predictions and odds – 2026 World Cup (27 June 2026)

Croatia and Ghana go into the final group match in a favourable position to qualify for the round of 16 in a strong position. The Africans beat Panama 1–0 and, surprisingly, drew 0–0 with England. The Balkan side, meanwhile, started with a 4–2 defeat to England before beating Panama 1–0 thanks to a goal from Osasuna’s Ante Budimir.

The match comes with the Croatians hoping to secure second place and the Ghanaians aiming to potentially even top a group in which both Croatia and England were expected to challenge for that spot. Croatia are showing inconsistencies in their play, with uncharacteristic defensive frailty, a central midfield pairing lacking balance, and an attack that has yet to establish a clear centre-forward. Ghana, for their part, are in a very clear-cut position thanks to the rapid implementation of Carlos Queiroz’s style of play: defensive solidity and quick transitions.

I believe both nations are aware that England will beat Panama in the other match and that, as a result, topping the group seems almost impossible, so it is by no means far-fetched to think that Ghana and Croatia, if it comes to it, might view a draw as the lesser of two evils that minimises damage – allowing the Africans to progress as runners-up and the Europeans to reach the round of 32, confident of putting in a better performance in the knockout stages.