Croatia vs Ghana lineups: Stanišić and Adjetey start as both sides meet in decisive final group game
Croatia vs Ghana lineups announced for the final group match in Philadelphia, with Josip Stanišić and Jonas Adjetey named in the starting XIs. Ghana arrive already through to the knockout phase while Croatia need a result to secure their place.
The two teams meet in the last round of group fixtures at Lincoln Financial Field, where tactical choices and starting selections will shape qualification scenarios. Croatia have fielded a side heavy on ball progression and midfield control, while Ghana have picked a lineup that blends Premier League experience with Bundesliga defensive cover.
Starting XIs named for the Philadelphia meeting
Livaković starts in goal for Croatia with a back four featuring Josip Stanišić at right back, Šutalo and Pongračić in central defence, and Ivan Perišić on the left. Luka Modrić captains the midfield alongside Mateo Kovačić, supported ahead of them by Vlasić, Sucic and Baturina with Budimir leading the line.
Ghana counter with Asare in goal and a defensive quartet of Senaya, Jonas Adjetey, Christian Atsu-Luckassen, and Mensah across the back. The midfield includes Owusu, Thomas Partey and Sibo, while Sulemana, Jordan Ayew (captain) and Semenyo provide the attacking thrust.
Defensive duel to watch: Stanišić against Adjetey
Josip Stanišić, who has developed his game at FC Bayern, starts at right back for Croatia and will face Wolfsburg defender Jonas Adjetey from Ghana. Their duel promises to be physical and technically nuanced, with Stanišić expected to offer overlapping runs while Adjetey provides aerial presence and aggressive challenges.
Both defenders bring club-level consistency and will be key in preventing overlapping full-backs or in matching sprints in transition. How each side balances support from midfielders and wing-backs will determine which defender is isolated and how often the two must duel one-on-one.
Croatia’s selection signals a push for control through midfield
The inclusion of Luka Modrić and Mateo Kovačić shows Croatia’s intent to dominate possession and tempo against a Ghana side that has thrived on quick transitions. Modrić will again be the fulcrum, tasked with unlocking Ghana’s defensive shape and managing the game’s rhythm in the middle third.
Supporting attackers like Vlasić and Sucic will be tasked with linking midfield progressions to Ivan Perišić and Marko Baturina, ensuring the supply lines to Budimir are clean. Croatia’s defence, marshalled by Šutalo and Pongračić, must remain compact to limit Ghana’s pace on the counter.
Ghana’s lineup prioritizes balance and knockout-stage continuity
Ghana’s starting XI combines defensive solidity with attacking verve and reflects a squad already assured of a knockout berth. Thomas Partey’s presence in central midfield is intended to shield the backline and add passing range, while Owusu and Sibo will look to press and recycle possession quickly.
The front three of Sulemana, Jordan Ayew and Semenyo provide varied attacking profiles: direct running, intelligent positioning and finishing instincts. With their qualification secured, Ghana can both manage player minutes and test tactical tweaks that could be useful later in the tournament.
Key tactical battles beyond the backline
Beyond the headline full-back matchup, midfield collisions will likely decide momentum. Modrić versus Partey is a classic veteran-versus-athlete matchup where tempo control meets pressing power, and how much space is allowed between the lines will be critical. If Kovačić succeeds in linking defence to attack, Croatia can force Ghana to defend deeper and reduce the effectiveness of quick counters.
Wing play will also shape opportunities, with Perišić’s deliveries against Ghana’s left flank promising crosses into Budimir’s path. Conversely, Ghana will look to exploit any lapse in Croatia’s wide defensive cover through patients in build-up and sudden vertical switches that test the central defenders’ positioning.
What a point or a win means for both teams
For Ghana, the match offers a chance to rest key players while keeping competitive sharpness ahead of knockout fixtures. Qualification already secured, the coaching staff can manage workload and experiment with set-piece routines or pressing triggers that may matter later. A positive result would also preserve momentum and belief heading into the next stage.
Croatia, meanwhile, enter the game with more immediate pressure: a point is likely enough to secure progression while a loss could see their fate slip from their hands depending on simultaneous results. That scenario forces Croatia to balance caution with initiative, particularly in the opening exchanges where conceding early would force them into a reactive posture.
Potential substitutes and late-game variables
Both benches offer tactical options; Croatia can introduce creative wide players or a deeper-lying midfield pivot to protect a slim lead. Their bench depth allows for a shift to two forwards if chasing a result, or an extra midfielder to see out a draw. Ghana’s reserves provide pace and directness, useful if they need to unlock a stubborn defence late in the game.
Set pieces may also prove decisive in a tightly contested match. Both teams possess strong aerial presences and competent set-piece takers, so discipline in the box and accuracy from dead-ball situations could produce the match-winning moments.
The match in Philadelphia will be shaped by starting choices, in-game adjustments, and individual duels that break the deadlock. Croatia vs Ghana lineups give us a clear view of each manager’s priorities — Croatia leaning on midfield control and experience, Ghana combining defensive resilience with attacking speed.
Expect a competitive, tactically rich encounter where marginal decisions determine who advances with confidence and who faces a nervy wait on other results.
