Croatia v Ghana – World Cup result as Nikola Vlasic and Petar Sucic secure win that sees Vatreni progress and confirm Scotland exit

Nikola Vlasic headed home a late winner as Croatia beat Ghana 2-1 to progress to the round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup.

Zlatko Dalic’s side needed a positive result to clinch progress from Group L and the Vatreni duly produced the goods to finish second.

Vlasic went close to breaking the deadlock with a 20-yard effort that clipped the outside of the post early on, before Petar Sucic became his country’s second youngest-ever goalscorer at a World Cup with a low drive that flew into the bottom corner just past the half hour.

Manchester City's Antoine Semenyo almost replied prior to the interval but his low, angled strike flashed just beyond the far post.

The Black Stars dominated the second period and pulled level when a four-minute VAR check for offside eventually came to the correct conclusion to give Derrick Luckassen’s fine finish from a right-wing corner.

However, Croatia came again and snatched the points when Vlasic nodded home a right-wing corner six minutes from time.

The result sees Croatia finish in second spot on six points, one behind Group L winners, England, who beat rock bottom Panama.

Ghana finish two points further back but progress as one of the best third-placed teams.

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Croatia's positive result means Scotland are OUT of the 2026 World Cup.

Croatia 2-1 Ghana.

”I thought they were the better side. Ghana came into it second half, but they had to because I felt they were relatively poor in the first half. Croatia deserved to be ahead at half time,” said McCoist on ITV.

On Croatia's winning goal: ”It’s a good header, it really is. Everything about it is perfect.

”Seven minutes to go, it turned out to be the winner and they deserved it.”

He added: ”Modric again – outstanding.”

Seven minutes have been added.

Luckassen's strike was the 200th goal of the 2026 World Cup. This is the first time in history that this total has been reached during an edition of the competition - and it has now been surpassed!

Vatreni regain the lead!

Nikola Vlasic meets a right-wing corner and guides his header into the bottom corner.

Mario Pasalic almost makes a huge impact off the bench but his rising left-foot drive is brilliantly pushed to safety by Benjamin Asare.

Derrick Luckassen meets a right-wing free kick with a lovely side-foot finish.

The flag then goes up for offside and the goal is initially chalked off....

VAR gets involved and the referee goes to the monitor...

It takes almost four minutes but the official eventually gives the goal.

All square!

Perisic cautioned for a late lunge on Fatawu.