2026 World Cup: Black Stars head to Philadelphia for Croatia clash

Group of men in matching orange camouflage shirts posing for a team photo inside an airplane cabin, smiling and making gestures.

By Jamaldeen Wiayuka June 25, 2026

Ghana will leave their training base in Rhode Island on Thursday and travel to Philadelphia as preparations gather pace for Saturday’s decisive FIFA World Cup Group L encounter against Croatia.

The Black Stars are in a strong position to reach the Round of 32 after holding England to a goalless draw on Tuesday. The team held a recovery session at Bryant University on Wednesday, less than 24 hours after delivering a disciplined defensive performance at Gillette Stadium.

Carlos Queiroz’s side are level on four points with England at the top of Group L, with both teams unbeaten after recording one win and one draw from their opening two matches.

Victory over Croatia at Lincoln Financial Field would guarantee Ghana a place in the knockout stage, while a draw could also prove enough depending on results elsewhere and the rankings of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.

The Black Stars will hold one final training session in Philadelphia on Friday before Saturday’s showdown.

Confidence remains high within the Ghana camp following the resilient display against England, one of the pre-tournament favourites. Goalkeeper Benjamin Asare, defender Jerome Opoku and midfielder Kwasi Sibo were among the standout performers as Ghana frustrated the Three Lions with an organised and determined performance.

Despite the positive result, Queiroz has urged his players to remain focused, insisting their objective has not yet been achieved.

“We have not won anything yet,” the Ghana coach said. “Points in this World Cup are terribly expensive.”

Midfielder Kwasi Sibo echoed his manager’s determination, saying the Black Stars are targeting victory over Croatia to secure qualification and finish top of Group L ahead of the knockout rounds.

With qualification within touching distance, Ghana now face their biggest test of the tournament so far, knowing that another disciplined display could see the four-time African champions extend their World Cup campaign into the knockout stage.