Croatia drop Gvardiol, Ghana recall Sulemana

27 Jun 2026, 20:13 · CNA · Join

Jun 17, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Ghana forward Kamaldeen Sulemana (22) dribbles the ball against Panama during a Group L match in the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Toronto Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Jun 23, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Croatia defender Josko Gvardiol (4) reats as he gets tripped up by Panama midfielder Cristian Martinez (6) during a Group L match in the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Toronto Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

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PHILADELPHIA, June 27 : Croatia dropped Josko Gvardiol in one of three changes for Saturday's final World Cup Group L match against Ghana, who also made three switches, leaving out forward Inaki Williams.

• Ghana have booked their place in the next round and coach ⁠Carlos Queiroz brings Kamaldeen Sulemana into the attack for the game in Philadelphia, with Derrick Luckassen coming into the defence in place of Jerome Opoku.

• A win for Croatia would guarantee their place in the knockout rounds.

• Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic gives starts to Ante Budimir and Nikola Vlasic for the first time in this World Cup, and forward Petar Sucic gets a recall.

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• Manchester City's Gvardiol is on the bench for Croatia after starting the first two games.

• England are assured of a spot in the round of 32 and face eliminated Panama in the other Group L match.

Lineups:

Croatia: Dominik Livakovic, Josip Stanisic, Marin Pongracic, Josip Sutalo, Mateo Kovacic, Luka Modric, Ante Budimir, Nikola Vlasic, Ivan Perisic, Martin Baturina, Petar Sucic

Ghana: Benjamin Asare, Jonas Adjetey, Thomas Partey, Kwasi Sibo, Jordan Ayew, Antoine Semenyo, Gideon Mensah, Elisha Owusu, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Derrick Luckassen, Marvin Senaya

Croatia drop Gvardiol, Ghana recall Sulemana

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