Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalić has urged his players to treat Ghana with full respect, insisting their Group L meeting at the 2026 FIFA World Cup will demand absolute focus and intensity.
Reacting to the draw held in Washington on Friday, Dalić acknowledged the Black Stars’ explosiveness and competitive edge, while also touching on his long-standing friendship with former Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan, whom he coached at Al Ain.
“We don’t care too much about Ghana. I know Asamoah Gyan is my friend; he played in my team when I was at Al Ain. But it’ll be a very tough game for Croatia. The Ghana team is very strong and very fast,” Dalić stated.
The clash between Croatia and Ghana, scheduled for the final round of Group L fixtures, could carry decisive implications as both countries chase a spot in the expanded Round of 32. Their group also includes England, tipped by many as one of the tournament favourites, and Panama, who return with a more experienced squad than in 2018.
Croatia enter the North American tournament with a reputation for rising to the grand stage, having finished runners-up in 2018 and claiming third place in 2022. Ghana, on the other hand, arrive with a youthful squad brimming with energy and optimism after an impressive qualification campaign.
Beyond the footballing stakes, the match carries a personal layer of intrigue, with Dalić set to face a nation represented for years by Gyan, one of the standout players during his coaching stint in the UAE.
Both teams will be aware that victory in this fixture could be the difference between advancing or crashing out, setting the stage for a gripping showdown later in the group.
