Image source: Alamy Stock Photo
Ghana lost 2-1 to Croatia in their final group game at the
World Cup, bringing a rather anti-climactic end to their Group stage campaign. Yet, the Black Stars still progressed to the knockout rounds as one of the better third placed teams in the groups, fourth best to be precise. Carlos Queiroz’ men now face Colombia in the Last 32 this coming Saturday, with either Switzerland or Algeria awaiting in the Last 16.
By The Numbers is a statistical review of how Ghana got here.
Match 1: The good - Ghana 1-0 Panama
This was always Ghana’s most winnable game, but somehow they made hard work of it. On the other hand, Panama grew into the game as it went on, and for long spells looked the more likely to score. It took a 95th-minute winner from Caleb Yirenkyi to secure all three points for Ghana. The momentum chart below tells the story of a game that could have gone either way.
1 - shot for Ghana in the 1st half, the joint-lowest by any team in a first half at this World Cup.
94' - minute Yirenkyi scored; the latest goal Ghana have ever scored at a World Cup, excluding extra time.
20y 153d - Yirenkyi's age at the time, making him the second-youngest Ghanaian to score at a World Cup.
20y 82d - Draman Hamin age when he scored for Ghana against the USA in 2006, which is the record.
Match 2: The brave - (Ghana 0-0 England)
A defensive masterclass by Ghana kept the English at bay. Before the game, Opta gave England a 79% chance of winning (Ghana only 8%). But Ghana had other ideas, and from the first whistle, they were clear about their intention to defend. Frustrate England, stay compact, and hopefully nick a goal on the break if possible. Most of the game plan worked (minus the goal), but a 0-0 draw effectively sealed Ghana's progression. The shot map tells a story of England’s 19 shots, but only two for Ghana.
2 - shots for Ghana, the joint-lowest by any team in a single game at the 2026 World Cup
2 - shots faced by England, the fewest they’ve ever conceded in a World Cup game (since 1966)
Match 3: The ugly - Croatia 2-1 Ghana
Ghana's late winner on Matchday 1 was paid back as a late defeat on Matchday 3. Croatia may have scored late to snatch the win, but it ultimately did not matter - Ghana were through regardless. The momentum chart is interesting here, showing a clear shift after the second water break, adding fuel to an ongoing debate about their influence at this edition of the tournament. It also reinforces something we previously highlighted as a theme with Ghana - they are very much a second-half team.
11 - goals scored by Ghana at the World Cup since 2014 (three tournaments)
9 - of those 11 Ghana World Cup goals that have come in the second half
Africa representing
Ghana's progress is welcome, but it is part of a much bigger African story. Nine of Africa's ten teams advanced from the group stage - a remarkable collective performance, with onlyTunisia missing out.
10 - wins for Africa in the Group stages, our most ever in a single World Cup tournament
9 - African teams progressing (out of 10)
90% - Africa’s progression rate, the best of all confederations
Colombia awaits on Saturday, and based on what we have seen in the three group games, Ghana will make it uncomfortable. You can almost bet on that second half goal.
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