Croatia and Ghana head into their final Group L fixture with qualification for the World Cup knockout stage firmly within reach. Both nations have built reputations for exceeding expectations on football’s biggest stage, making this encounter one of the key matches in the race for the last 32.

England currently lead the group after defeating Croatia 4-2 in the opening round, but Zlatko Dalic’s side recovered by edging Panama 1-0 thanks to Ante Budimir’s second-half winner. Ghana, meanwhile, followed their victory over Panama with a disciplined goalless draw against England, leaving both the Black Stars and the Three Lions level on four points.

The standings leave Croatia in third place with three points, although that tally is currently enough to secure progression as one of the best third-placed teams. Ghana require only a draw to guarantee second place, but victory combined with England failing to beat Panama would send Carlos Queiroz’s side through as group winners and hand them a more favourable last-32 pairing.

Croatia aiming to continue recovery

Croatia responded well after their opening defeat, with Budimir’s goal against Panama proving enough to revive their qualification hopes. At 34 years and 336 days old, the striker became Croatia’s oldest World Cup goalscorer, surpassing the previous record set by Ivica Olić during the 2014 tournament.

Captain Luka Modrić also reached another significant milestone by making his 21st World Cup appearance. Since debuting at the tournament in 2006, only Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have featured in more World Cup matches. The veteran midfielder also celebrated his 200th international cap.

Should Modrić and Ivan Perišić both be named in the starting lineup, they would become the first Croatian players to start 20 World Cup matches. Only Germany, Argentina, and Poland have previously had multiple players reach that landmark.

Although Croatia secured all three points against Panama, the performance highlighted room for improvement in attack. Dalic’s men managed only six attempts on goal, with just two on target, matching their lowest totals for both overall shots and efforts on target in a World Cup victory.

Last 5 Croatia matches stats

Ghana building on defensive resilience

Ghana has impressed with their defensive organisation throughout the group stage, recording consecutive clean sheets after beating Panama 1-0 before frustrating England in a scoreless draw. That solid foundation has left the Black Stars in a strong position entering the decisive fixture.

Marvin Senaya produced a standout defensive display against England by making seven tackles, the highest total ever recorded by a Ghana player in a single World Cup match. Goalkeeper Benjamin Asare also enjoyed a relatively quiet evening, being called upon to make only three saves despite England registering 19 shots.

Caleb Yirenkyi, who scored the winner against Panama, completed the full match against England despite receiving an early yellow card. Jordan Ayew also made a major contribution without the ball, producing 71 high-intensity pressures, the second-highest figure recorded by any player in a match at this World Cup.

Queiroz’s teams have consistently been involved in low-scoring contests at the World Cup. Across spells with Portugal, Iran, and Ghana, his 15 matches have produced 29 goals in total, averaging 1.93 per game, a figure bettered only by Sven-Göran Eriksson among coaches with at least 10 matches at the tournament.

Last 5 Ghana matches stats

Records and historical notes before the first meeting

This will mark the first-ever encounter between Croatia and Ghana. Ranked 65th in the FIFA standings, Ghana becomes the second-lowest-ranked nation to face Croatia at a World Cup after Russia, who were 70th when the teams met in 2018.

Croatia have never been beaten by a nation ranked 40th or lower at the World Cup. They have also enjoyed success against African opposition, remaining unbeaten in four such matches with three victories, eight goals scored, and only one conceded.

The outcome of this match could significantly influence the knockout bracket for both sides. Croatia is currently projected to face Group K leaders Colombia if they advance as one of the best third-placed teams, while Ghana knows that settling for second place would presently set up a last-32 meeting with Portugal.

Prediction and expected outcome

Croatia and Ghana head into this decisive Group L encounter knowing qualification for the knockout stage is still within their grasp, setting the stage for a tense and tactical contest. Croatia have regained momentum after defeating Panama and possess the greater experience in high-pressure World Cup matches, while Ghana have impressed with their defensive discipline, keeping consecutive clean sheets against Panama and England. The Black Stars are likely to remain compact and look to frustrate Croatia before threatening on the counter, whereas Zlatko Dalic’s side should see more of the ball and attempt to unlock Ghana’s organised back line through patient build-up. With so much at stake, chances could be limited, and fine margins may determine the outcome. Croatia’s experience and proven record against African opposition give them a slight edge, but Ghana has shown throughout the group stage that they are capable of matching strong opponents.

Prediction: Croatia 1-0 Ghana

Expected outcome: A narrow Croatia victory that secures their place in the knockout stage, while Ghana’s qualification hopes would depend on the outcome of England’s match against Panama. A draw remains a realistic possibility given Ghana’s defensive resilience, but Croatia appears marginally better equipped to find the decisive moment.

Uruguay’s World Cup campaign came to an end following a 1-0 defeat to Spain, with another mistake by veteran goalkeeper Fernando Muslera playing a decisive role. Marcelo Bielsa made the dramatic decision to replace the 40-year-old at half-time after his latest costly error, but the change failed to alter the outcome.

Spain had effectively secured qualification before kick-off, yet Alex Baena’s goal just before the interval ensured they finished top of Group H. As group winners, the European champions will now meet the runners-up from Group J in the last 32.

Uruguay’s disappointing evening worsened deep into stoppage time when Agustin Canobbio received a red card after catching Pau Cubarsi with a high challenge, ending the match with 10 men.

Defeat left Bielsa’s side on just two points from three matches, condemning them to a second consecutive group-stage elimination at the World Cup.

Muslera’s error changes the contest

After surviving a sustained spell of pressure from Uruguay, Spain found the breakthrough in the 42nd minute. Baena turned sharply before sending a low effort towards goal, and although Muslera got both hands to the shot, he could not prevent it from crossing the line.

The Uruguay players protested in the build-up because Spain continued attacking after Manuel Ugarte went to ground following what appeared to be an innocuous challenge. The midfielder was later treated on the field before being carried off on a stretcher.

Having committed his third goal-leading mistake in three group matches, Muslera was withdrawn during the interval, with Sergio Rochet taking over in goal for the second half.

Spain control proceedings while Uruguay fades

The goalkeeper switch did little to change the pattern of the game as Spain dictated much of the second period, although they were unable to extend their advantage.

Uruguay attempted a late rally in search of an equaliser but rarely troubled Unai Simon. Darwin Nunez, restored to the starting line-up, squandered two promising opportunities within two minutes shortly after the first-half cooling break.

Although Bielsa’s side had enjoyed their best spell before conceding, they only began applying real pressure during the closing stages. Spain almost added another goal when substitute Ferran Torres struck the crossbar before comfortably seeing out the victory.

The result also marked Spain’s second win of the tournament, their first time recording multiple victories at a World Cup since lifting the trophy in 2010.

Spain progress with confidence as Bielsa’s project raises questions

Spain responded well after criticism of their goalless draw with Cape Verde by defeating Saudi Arabia 4-0, and this latest success demonstrated they could overcome a physical and determined opponent even without producing their best football.

Luis de la Fuente’s team managed only six shots, with just one on target, and finished with less possession than Uruguay. It was also the first time since 2002 that Spain had less of the ball than their opponents in a World Cup fixture. Despite that, La Roja completed the group stage without conceding a goal for the first time.

For Uruguay, the early exit continued a disappointing pattern that began during the 2024 Copa America. Their trademark intensity under Bielsa was rarely visible during the tournament, and against Spain they registered only one effort on target despite brief periods of aggressive pressing.

Bielsa had persuaded Muslera to return from international retirement earlier this year, but the experienced goalkeeper became the first player in his position since records began in 1966 to make three errors leading directly to goals during a single World Cup. His substitution may become the defining image of Uruguay’s unsuccessful campaign.

Iran’s hopes of reaching the World Cup knockout stage remain uncertain after a dramatic 1-1 draw with Egypt in Seattle. The result left the Iranians third in Group G with three points from three draws, meaning they must now rely on results elsewhere to determine whether they qualify among the tournament’s best third-placed teams. Egypt, meanwhile, secured second place in the group after earlier results had already guaranteed their progression before kick-off.

The match burst into life almost immediately. Egypt struck first after only five minutes when Mahmoud Saber fired through a crowded penalty area to beat the goalkeeper and hand his side an early advantage. Iran responded positively, and although Mehdi Taremi saw his penalty denied by Mostafa Shobeir, they soon restored parity when Ramin Rezaeian reacted quickest to convert the rebound from a tight angle.

Belgium’s victory over New Zealand ensured they finished top of Group G, leaving Egypt as runners-up despite still having a chance of ending the group phase in first, second, or third before the day’s matches were completed.

Late drama ends in frustration

The closing stages produced a series of dramatic moments as Iran searched for the goal that could have transformed their World Cup prospects. Taremi headed against the crossbar from a corner, although the referee had already signalled a foul before the effort, meaning it would not have stood had the ball crossed the line.

The biggest moment arrived after a goalmouth scramble ended with Shoja Khalilzadeh forcing the ball into the net. The defender celebrated wildly by removing his shirt and posing for a photograph while wearing sunglasses, but his delight disappeared following a lengthy video assistant referee review that ruled the goal out for offside. Khalilzadeh was later shown a yellow card for taking off his shirt during the celebrations.

Iran came within inches of snatching victory deep into stoppage time when Saeid Ezatolahi’s header crashed against the crossbar in the seventh minute of added time, leaving the match level at the final whistle.

Travel challenges during the tournament

Iran has played at this World Cup while dealing with circumstances linked to the country’s conflict with the United States. Before the competition began, the team altered their planned tournament base, moving from Arizona to Tijuana in Mexico.

Their preparations have also been affected by travel restrictions. For the opening two fixtures in Los Angeles, the squad was permitted to enter the United States only one day before each match and had to depart again on the day the games were played under the conditions of their visas.

A statement from the US Department of Homeland Security said Iran’s players were allowed to arrive in the United States two days before the meeting with Egypt but still had to leave on the day the contest concluded.

Qualification hopes still alive

Despite failing to win any of their three group matches, Iran remain in contention to reach the last 32 for the first time in their history as one of the competition’s best third-placed teams. Their fate depends on the outcomes of the remaining matches in Groups J, K, and L.

Iran will progress if Croatia loses to Ghana in Group L, if DR Congo fails to defeat Uzbekistan in Group K, provided Uzbekistan does not win by seven goals or more, or if either Algeria or Austria claims victory in their Group J meeting.

Egypt’s path is already confirmed. After finishing second in Group G, they will face Australia in the last 32 in Dallas on Friday, 3 July, at 19:00 BST.

Senegal booked their place in the World Cup knockout stage after a convincing 5-0 victory over Iraq in Toronto. The Lions of Teranga finished third in Group I with three points, and their emphatic success secured progression to the last 32 as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.

Needing a strong performance after defeats to France and Norway, Pape Thiaw’s side delivered from the opening whistle. Their dominant display also pushed Scotland down the standings among third-placed teams, ending the Scots’ hopes of advancing.

The breakthrough arrived after only four minutes when Abdoulaye Seck rose highest from a corner. His header took a deflection off Habib Diarra before finding the net beyond Iraq goalkeeper Ahmed Basil.

Iraq’s task becomes impossible

The contest swung even further in Senegal’s favour in the 13th minute. Following a VAR review, referee Anthony Taylor sent off Rebin Sulaka for bringing down Sadio Mane on the edge of the penalty area after ruling that the defender had denied a clear goalscoring opportunity.

Mane’s free-kick forced Basil into action, but despite controlling possession and creating pressure, Senegal were unable to add another effort on target before half-time. They nevertheless remained firmly in command against an Iraqi side reduced to 10 men.

The African nation returned after the interval, determined to turn their superiority into more goals.

Second-half goals complete dominant display

Senegal doubled their advantage in the 56th minute after Zidane Iqbal surrendered possession near his own penalty area. Lamine Camara seized the opportunity before setting up Ismaila Sarr, who converted from close range.

Only three minutes later, substitute Pape Gueye made an immediate impression by curling a superb left-footed strike into the top corner with his first involvement of the match. Iraq struggled to contain the relentless attacks as Senegal continued to press forward.

Gueye added another spectacular goal in the 71st minute, firing home for his second of the afternoon. Fellow substitute Iliman Ndiaye completed the scoring late on to cap an outstanding team performance.

Lions of Teranga march into the last 32

The comprehensive victory ensured Senegal extended their World Cup journey into the knockout stage. After a difficult opening to the tournament, they responded in emphatic fashion, producing their biggest performance when it mattered most.

A five-goal margin, combined with a disciplined defensive display that prevented Iraq from scoring, proved enough to secure qualification. Senegal now head into the Round of 32 with renewed confidence following one of their most complete performances of the competition.