Ghana's Black Stars lose to Croatia in FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage
via GhanaWeb1 min read
Ghana's Black Stars experienced a 2-1 defeat against Croatia in their Group L match at the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Saturday, June 27, 2026. Despite the loss, Ghana had already secured their qualification for the knockout stage of the tournament. Their spot in the Round of 32 was guaranteed prior to the match, as four points from their initial two games were sufficient for progression under FIFA's expanded tournament format. Croatia, on the other hand, needed a favorable outcome to maintain their qualification prospects and consequently began the game with greater intensity. The draw for the Round of 32 and Ghana's subsequent opponents will be determined once the remaining group-stage fixtures are concluded.
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Must ReadGhana's Black Stars are playing Croatia in their final Group L match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Philadelphia Stadium in the United States. Ghana has already qualified for the Round of 32. A win or a draw in this match would secure second place in their group, while a loss would result in a third-place finish.
Must ReadGhana's Black Stars are set to play Croatia at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia today, June 27, 2026, in a pivotal World Cup Group L match. Ghana has already qualified for the Round of 32, marking their first knockout stage appearance since 2010. A victory against Croatia would secure the top spot in Group L, potentially leading to a more favorable Round of 32 opponent like DR Congo, while a second-place finish could mean facing strong teams such as Portugal or Colombia. Head coach Carlos Queiroz emphasized the importance of winning, despite early qualification, and praised Croatia's Luka Modric. Forward Antoine Semenyo highlighted the team's improved defensive solidity under Queiroz. Goalkeeper Benjamin Asare has achieved consecutive clean sheets, a first for a Ghanaian keeper at a World Cup, and could make history with a third. Captain Jordan Ayew has also been crucial to the team's defensive efforts. The team aims to finish first in Group L, demonstrating their ambition in the expanded 48-team tournament.
Rashid Tanko Computer, CEO of the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications GIFEC and Deputy Director of Elections for the National Democratic Congress NDC, has confirmed that former MASLOC Chief Executive Officer Sedinam Tamakloe-Attionu is currently in the custody of the Ghana Prisons Service. He emphasized that she is not at home and urged the public to await official communication from the prison service regarding her case. Computer stated that the government followed due process in her extradition from the US, noting that Ghana would not have pursued her return if there was a lack of concern. He called for transparency in high-profile detention cases to maintain public confidence. Tamakloe-Attionu was convicted and sentenced in absentia to 10 years' imprisonment for charges including stealing, conspiracy to steal, causing financial loss to the State, and money laundering. She had been granted permission to travel to the US for medical treatment but did not return, leading to a warrant for her arrest. Ghana's extradition request was approved in January 2026, and she was extradited from the US on June 8-9, 2026, marking Ghana's first successful extradition since 2009. Upon arrival in Accra, she was taken into custody by the Ghana Police Service and Ghana Prisons Service to begin her sentence.