GHANA fell to a 2-1 defeat to Croatia on Saturday night and finished third in their group, but the Black Stars were already guaranteed passage into the round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup before kick-off in Philadelphia.
Nikola Vlasic scored a late header to help Croatia finish second and book their place in the round of 32.
Zlatko Dalic’s side needed to avoid defeat against the Black Stars to be sure of a place in the knockout stages, but Vlasic’s effort seven minutes from time ensured they qualified as runners-up to England – who beat Panama in Group L’s other game.
Ghana defender Derrick Luckassen had cancelled out Petar Sucic’s stunning first-half opener in the 73rd minute, but the Black Stars were unable to hold on for a point and will now head into the last 32 as one of the best third-placed sides.
Croatia’s victory also ended Scotland’s faint hopes of qualifying for the knockout stages.
In New York, Harry Kane became England’s record World Cup goalscorer as they recovered from an unconvincing start to overcome Panama 2-0 and finish top of Group L.
Jude Bellingham broke a frustrating deadlock to put England ahead after 62 minutes, then crossed for Kane to double their advantage with a close-range header five minutes later.
It was the England captain’s 11th World Cup goal – taking him one ahead of Gary Lineker.
England were below-par for long periods and once more looked vulnerable at the back, suffering another injury blow when emergency right-back Jarell Quansah, deputising for the injured Reece James, was forced off in the second half.
Bellingham was England’s outstanding driving force, making the breakthrough when he turned in a clever finish from Bukayo Saka’s corner.
He then turned creator with a perfect cross for Kane to rewrite England’s history books again with a routine finish, his 82nd goal in 117 appearances.
As England closed out the win, which means they will face either Democratic Republic of Congo or Senegal in the last 32 in Atlanta – barring an unlikely sequence of results – Jordan Henderson came on as substitute to become the first player to represent his country at four World Cups.
With agency report
