The Black Stars of Ghana have arrived in Philadelphia ahead of their decisive FIFA World Cup Group L encounter against Croatia on Saturday, with a place in the Round of 32 hanging in the balance.
The players, technical team and officials travelled from Providence, Rhode Island, after completing a recovery session at Bryant University on Wednesday, following their goalless draw against England at Gillette Stadium on Tuesday.
Ghana are expected to hold a training session later on Thursday as preparations intensify for the crucial fixture at Lincoln Financial Field on June 27, 2026.
The Black Stars currently sit joint top of Group L alongside England on four points, having recorded one win and one draw from their opening two matches of the tournament.
A victory over Croatia would secure Ghana’s place in the knockout stages for the first time since their memorable run to the quarter-finals at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
The team’s arrival in Philadelphia comes on the back of a morale-boosting visit from a high-profile Ghanaian delegation in Rhode Island earlier on Thursday.
The delegation included Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, H.E. Victor Smith, Minister for Sports and Recreation Hon. Kofi Adams, Minister for Foreign Affairs Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and businessman Ibrahim Mahama, all of whom met with the players and technical staff to offer their support ahead of the decisive encounter.
Elsewhere in Group L, England will take on Panama on Saturday in the other final-round fixture, with both matches set to determine the teams advancing to the knockout stages.
With history within reach, Otto Addo’s side now turn their full attention to Croatia, knowing that a victory in Philadelphia would book their place among the final 32 and mark another significant milestone in Ghana’s World Cup journey.
