World Cup 2026: Derrick Luckassen scores on debut as Ghana fall to Croatia

Sat 27th Jun, 2026 23:10

Derrick Luckassen marked his World Cup debut with a goal, scoring the equaliser for Ghana in their 2-1 defeat to Croatia at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Saturday.

Croatia took the lead in the 31st minute through Petar Sucic, but Luckassen rose to the occasion in the 73rd minute, heading home to bring Ghana level. The goal was a moment of personal triumph for the defender, who had been called up to replace the injured Alexander Djiku.

However, Croatia quickly restored their lead through Nikola VlaÅ¡iÄ‡, securing a 2-1 victory that confirmed their place in the round of 32.

Despite the defeat, Ghana had already secured their knockout spot before kick-off, thanks to their 1-0 win over Panama and a goalless draw against England. They finished third in Group L with four points and will now face the winners of Group K in the round of 32.

The 30-year-old Pafos defender, who was a late addition to Ghana's preliminary squad after replacing the injured Alexander Djiku, was handed his first World Cup start after Jerome Opoku was rested as a precaution following a groin strain sustained in Ghana's goalless draw against England.

Luckassen made his Black Stars debut in a friendly against Germany in March and secured a place in Carlos Queiroz's final 26-man squad for the tournament. On Saturday, he made an immediate impact at the biggest stage of all.

For Luckassen, his debut goal will be a moment to cherish, even as Ghana look ahead to their knockout challenge.

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World Cup 2026: Derrick Luckassen scores in first game but Croatia beat Ghana

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