Ghana vs Croatia: Confirmed Black Stars Lineup as Carlos Queiroz Makes Three Changes
- Carlos Queiroz has made three changes to the Ghana side that drew 0-0 with England in their second Group L fixture
- Derrick Luckassen, Elisha Owusu and Kamaldeen Sulemana all come into the starting XI for the clash against Croatia
- The Black Stars have already secured their place in the Round of 32, while Croatia need a result to advance
- A seasoned coach shared reasons why Queiroz tweaked the lineup that brought positive results against Panama and England
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Ghana head coach Carlos Queiroz has named his starting XI for the Black Stars' final 2026 FIFA World Cup Group L fixture against Croatia, making three changes from the side that drew goalless with England.
The Black Stars enter their final group fixture in Philadelphia knowing qualification to the next round of the competition has already been sealed.
Source: Getty Images
Ghana's Starting XI vs Croatia
Benjamin Asare continues in goal ahead of Lawrence Ati-Zigi, who has not made the starting lineup since he was substituted in the opening victory over Panama.
According to TNT Sports, Marvin Senaya and Gideon Mensah hold their positions at right-back and left-back, respectively.
Derrick Luckassen comes into the heart of defence for his first appearance at the tournament, replacing Jerome Opoku alongside Jonas Adjetey, who retains his place.
In midfield, Elisha Owusu is recalled in the place of 20-year-old Caleb Yirenkyi.
In attack, Kamaldeen Sulemana takes the position vacated by Inaki Williams, while captain Jordan Ayew and Antoine Semenyo keep their spots in the front three.
The confirmed lineup reads:
Asare; Senaya, Adjetey, Luckassen, Mensah; Owusu, Partey, Sibo; Sulemana, Ayew, Semenyo.
Coach shares insight into lineup tweaks
In football, there is a well-known saying: "You don't change a winning team."
However, Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz chose to buck that trend, making three changes to the side that picked up four points against Panama and England.
Explaining why the experienced Portuguese tactician may have opted to reshuffle his lineup, former Swedru All Blacks coach Prince George Koffie told YEN.com.gh:
"It's true, and I agree that if it's not broken, you don't fix it [referring to the starting lineup]. But when it comes to systems and formations, the personnel are what make them effective. In this case, while coach Queiroz may stick with the same tactical setup against Croatia, Ghana brought 26 players to the tournament, and with qualification already secured, it is only fair to give those who are yet to feature an opportunity to experience the World Cup.
Coach Koffie added: "Even with the changes, he has kept the spine of the team intact by retaining Benjamin Asare, Jonas Adjetey, Thomas Partey and Jordan Ayew. Personally, I would have preferred Christopher Bonsu Baah on the flank ahead of Kamaldeen Sulemana because of his ability to stretch the Croatian defence."
"That said, Kamaldeen also possesses that quality, although his decision-making in the final third can sometimes be inconsistent."
Source: Getty Images
What is at stake for both sides?
Ghana go into the match having already secured qualification to the Round of 32, a milestone confirmed after Uruguay's 1-0 defeat to Spain.
The Black Stars can approach the fixture with the freedom that guaranteed progression affords, though a positive result would boost their chances of a higher group finish.
According to Reuters, Croatia, however, faces a far more pressing situation. The Vatreni need to avoid defeat to keep their hopes of advancing alive, making this a fixture with contrasting motivations for the two sides.
Read also
Telvin Sowah Adjei's old prophecy on Benjamin Asare resurfaces after Ghana vs England clash
How much will Ghana earn for reaching R32?
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Ghana's qualification for the Round of 32 comes with a substantial financial boost.
FIFA's $2.5 million preparation grant and the additional $11 million prize money for reaching the knockout stage take the Black Stars' total earnings to $13.5 million.
Source: YEN.com.gh
Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe (Sports Editor) Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe is a CAF-accredited journalist with over five years of experience in digital journalism. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Integrated Rural Arts and Industry (2016). Godwin's career includes covering the 2023 AFCON and grassroots competitions within Ghana. He has also served as a Presenter at VNTV, a Sports Analyst at Obonu FM, and a Football Writer for a myriad of sports websites. He joined Yen.com.gh in 2024 to cover sports. Email: godwin.tagoe@yen.com.gh.
Prince George Koffie (CAF License 'A' International Football Coach) Prince George Koffie is a seasoned CAF License "A" Professional Football Coach with three decades of experience, ranging from grassroots development to international competitions, including a CAF Champions League campaign. He excels in both player development and competitive tactical coaching.
