Ghana qualify for 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 before Croatia clash

Ghana have officially secured a place in the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup before playing their final Group L match against Croatia.

The Black Stars qualified after results in other groups confirmed that four points would be enough to reach the knockout stage under FIFA’s expanded 48-team tournament format.

Carlos Queiroz’s side join Egypt, England, Portugal and Paraguay as the latest teams to book their places in the next round.

Ghana collected four points from their opening two matches after beating Panama 1-0 and holding England to a goalless draw.

Those results have guaranteed the Black Stars a place in the knockout stage regardless of the outcome of Saturday’s match against Croatia.

Under the expanded World Cup format, the top two teams from each of the 12 groups qualify automatically for the Round of 32, along with the eight best third-placed teams. Results elsewhere have ensured that a team with four points cannot miss out on qualification.

Despite already qualifying, Ghana still have plenty to play for against Croatia.

A win could see the Black Stars finish top of Group L, depending on the result between England and Panama. Finishing first could hand Ghana a more favourable opponent in the Round of 32.

Head coach Carlos Queiroz has made it clear his team will continue to play for victory.

“I only know how to play to win,” he said.

The Black Stars are aiming to reach beyond the knockout stage for the first time since their historic run to the quarter-finals at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.