Unbeaten and yet to concede a single goal, Carlos Queiroz’s Ghana face a landmark night this Saturday at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. Against Luka Modric’s Croatia — the 2018 World Cup runners-up — the Black Stars need only a point to seal their place in the round of 32. Almost nobody saw it coming.
Few gave them a chance, and yet here they are. Knocked out in qualifying for the last Africa Cup of Nations and beaten five times in a row during their warm-up matches, Ghana have turned the script on its head at this 2026 World Cup. A late winner against Panama (1-0), followed by a stunning goalless draw with England (0-0) — one of the tournament favourites — has lifted Queiroz’s men into second place in Group L, a point clear of Croatia. Better still, and herein lies the pride of this squad, Ghana have not conceded a single goal so far. The back line, marshalled by Auxerre pair Gideon Mensah and Marvin Senaya, has held firm, while the return of Thomas Partey in midfield (absent for the opener due to a visa issue) has added real steel.
On the other side, Croatia have plenty to play for too. Beaten by England (4-2) before grinding past Panama (1-0), the Chequered side simply must win to be sure of going through. Luka Modric, who earned his 200th cap this week, will lead one final, experienced charge. But Ghana can afford to sit and wait: a draw is all they need. One slight concern remains — first-choice keeper Ati-Zigi, forced off injured in the opener, is a doubt, meaning Asare, outstanding against England, looks set to keep his place. The Black Stars are now dreaming out loud. And no wonder: rarely has a single point felt so valuable.