Uruguay vs Cape Verde on June 21st at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami for a World Cup 2026 Group H clash – full match preview, team news, lineups, prediction and betting insights.
| Bookie | Selection | Best Odds | Market | Bet |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Croatia to win | TBC | Croatia vs Ghana | Place Bet |
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Croatia 2-1 Ghana | TBC | Croatia vs Ghana | Place Bet |
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Under 3.5 Goals | TBC | Croatia vs Ghana | Place Bet |
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Croatia to win, under 3.5 goals, over 11 corners | TBC | Croatia vs Ghana | Place Bet |
Date of Tips: 24/12/2025
Disclaimer The odds for these selections were correct at the time of publishing (11:34 24/12/2025) but may have changed since. Please check the latest price before placing your bet.
Croatia vs Ghana prediction time, and it’s a fun one because it’s got that proper World Cup group-stage edge to it. This one lands on 27 June 2026, kicks off at 22:00 UK, and it’s at Lincoln Financial Field Stadium in Philadelphia. This preview digs into team news, potential lineups, and how these two match up, so you’ve got a clear picture of the best angles for the game.
Croatia come into this tournament with that familiar feeling. They always look like they’ve been here a hundred times, because most of them basically have. Zlatko Dalić is still the guy running it, and he’s been in charge since 2017. He’s the manager who took Croatia to the 2018 World Cup final and then the semi-finals in 2022.
Luka Modrić, with AC Milan, still keeping his hopes alive for another World Cup appearance. Alongside him, Croatia still lean on big-game experience like Ivan Perišić (PSV Eindhoven), and Andrej Kramarić (Hoffenheim). If Croatia win a free-kick in a dangerous area, Modrić is the obvious first-choice if he’s available, but if not, it could fall to Ivan Perišić, or perhaps Luka Sučić if he makes the squad.
There’s also a clear next wave behind them. Joško Gvardiol is a key one, playing for Manchester City in the Premier League. You’ve got defenders like Josip Šutalo (Ajax) and Josip Stanišić (Bayern Munich) in the mix too, plus a couple of younger names Dalić has been bringing through, like Luka Vušković at Hamburger SV.
Ghana feel like a side with a bit more unpredictability. Otto Addo is back in charge and it’s his second spell. He’s got that rare thing where he’s actually lived it from both sides, since he played for Ghana at a World Cup and then coached them at one too. He’s also had coaching experience at Borussia Dortmund.
Player-wise, Ghana’s big talking points sit in the forward areas. Mohammed Kudus is the type who can change a game with one burst, and Antoine Semenyo gives them real threats out wide. Semenyo plays his club football at Bournemouth in the Premier League, so he’s used to facing quick defenders and playing at speed every week. They’ve also got experience through Jordan Ayew, who’s been around international football forever and knows how to manage a match inside the match.
At the back, Ghana have proper quality too. Mohammed Salisu plays for AS Monaco in Ligue 1 and brings that strong, no-nonsense defending style you want when Croatia start probing around the box. There are a lot of defensive options in the wider squad, so Addo has choices depending on whether he wants to be brave or cautious.
Croatia (possible 4-3-3):
Livaković; Stanišić, Šutalo, Ćaleta-Car, Gvardiol; Modrić, Pašalić, Vlašić; Perišić, Kramarić, Matanović
Ghana (possible 4-2-3-1):
Ati-Zigi; Seidu, Salisu, Opoku, Mensah; Abu Francis, Kwasi Sibo; Semenyo, Kudus, Sulemana; Jordan Ayew
This game feels like a classic clash of styles. Croatia want you chasing shadows. And with Perišić and Kramarić around, they’ve got players who understand timing perfectly.
Ghana are different. They’re at their best when the game opens up. If Kudus gets space between the lines, or Semenyo gets a chance to run at full-backs early, they could be dangerous.
So the key question for you is simple. Do you think this becomes a controlled Croatia match, or a chaotic Ghana match?
Croatia to control possession and territory: If Croatia settle early, Ghana may spend long spells defending and waiting for counters.
Ghana threat on transitions: If you’re thinking about markets tied to Ghana scoring or chances created, it usually starts with Kudus and Semenyo finding space quickly.
Game state matters: If Croatia score first, the match can slow down fast. If Ghana score first, it gets spicy.
I lean Croatia, mainly because tournament experience is a real thing and they’ve got it everywhere. Dalić knows how to win these group games without making it dramatic, and Croatia’s ability to control rhythm is usually the difference against teams that want the match to feel like a sprint.
But I’m not calling it comfortable. Ghana have enough pace and power to cause proper problems, especially if Croatia’s midfield gets stretched and has to start defending in open grass. If Ghana stay patient and don’t chase too hard early, they’ll get moments.
So yeah, I’m seeing Croatia edging it, but with Ghana making them work for every clean touch.
Match Prediction: France to win. Bet with bet365.
If you’re looking for scoreline tips, it’s worth noting that Croatia often win tight games at tournaments, and Ghana have enough quality to make it awkward.
1-0 Croatia if it stays controlled and Croatia score once then manage it.
2-1 Croatia if Ghana get a moment on the break and Croatia still find a way through.
Correct Score Prediction: Croatia 2-1 Ghana. Bet with bet365.
This doesn’t scream goal-fest unless something breaks early.
Under goals makes sense if you expect Croatia to dictate pace and reduce risk.
Over goals only really comes alive if Ghana score first or if Croatia’s back line gets dragged into footraces.
Think about the first 20 minutes. If it’s cagey and Croatia keep the ball, you know where it’s heading.
Over/Under Prediction: Under 3.5 Goals. Bet with bet365.
Here’s some bet builder predictions that match the way this could play out.
Croatia to win
Match to stay on the tighter side for goals
Ghana to have moments on the counter through their main attackers
Bet Builder Tip: Croatia to win, under 3.5 goals, over 11 corners. Bet with bet365.
Key Stats
Croatia arrive with a squad built around huge tournament experience, led by Luka Modrić (40) and guided by Zlatko Dalić.
Ghana’s attacking spark comes from players like Mohammed Kudus and Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth), with Otto Addo overseeing the setup.
Croatia’s defensive platform includes Joško Gvardiol (Manchester City), while Ghana’s includes Mohammed Salisu (Monaco).
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Visit our football previews & predictions page for more betting tips on upcoming matches.
If you ask me, Croatia have the edge because they manage big tournament games so well, but Ghana have the tools to make it close.
Kick-off is 22:00 UK on 27 June 2026.
It’s at Lincoln Financial Field Stadium in Philadelphia.