G. Mensah
Auxerre · Bundesliga · Defender · #14 · Ghana · 27 yrs
G. Mensah news
Is Luka Modric playing? Croatia vs Ghana confirmed lineups for the 2026 World Cup Group L game
Despite their defeat in their opening match of the 2026 World Cup, Croatia still dream of reaching the Round of 32 as the runners-up in Group L, facing Ghana today. With this in mind, fans are keeping a close eye on the presence of Luka Modrić, as he could make the difference. Croatia disappointed in their opening match of the 2026 World Cup, losing 4–2 to England. However, they managed to keep their hopes alive by defeating Panama. Looking to secure their place as the runners-up in Group L, they face Ghana in their final group-stage match. Needing a victory, fans are closely watching the status of Luka Modrić in Zlatko Dalić’s team. Luka Modrić will start for Croatia, as he is fully fit and has no suspensions pending. As the central figure of the team’s play, head coach Zlatko Dalić could hand him a starting role for the third consecutive match, looking to dominate possession and limit Ghana. Despite already being 40 years old, he remains one of the tournament’s best midfielders, standing out for his vision, passing, and physical consistency. Alongside Modrić, Croatia will start Mateo Kovacic and Martin Baturina, looking for physical strength in midfield while also having the quality to control the tempo of the game. Likewise, Marin Pongracic and Josip Šutalo will complete the defensive line. However, Ivan Perišić and Josip Stanišić will once again be key in exploiting the space behind Ghana’s defense, finding space and taking advantage of their goalscoring ability. Ghana could cause Croatia significant problems, as they combine a solid defensive style with a highly efficient attack. Head coach Carlos Queiroz builds his team from the back to the front, relying on a low defensive block in their first games in the 2026 World Cup. However, they excel on the counterattack, breaking quickly through Kamaldeen Sulemana and Antoine Semenyo. Alongside them, Jordan Ayew will be crucial in the goalscoring side. Petar Musa #26 of Croatia celebrates with teammates. Croatia confimed lineups vs Ghana As one of the most impressive national teams of the last few years, Croatia arrive as the favorites to defeat Ghana. To do so, head coach Zlatko Dalić is expected to maintain his attacking approach, with a crowded midfield led by Luka Modrić. However, defensive consistency will be crucial, as their opponents excel on the counterattack and could cause them significant problems. With this in mind, Croatia will lineup as follows: Dominik Livakovic; Josip Stanišić, Josip Šutalo, Marin Pongracic, Ivan Perisic; Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic; Nikola Vlasic, Petar Sucic, Martin Baturina; Petar Musa. Ghana confirmed lineups vs Croatia After surprising in their opening matches of the 2026 World Cup, Ghana will be looking for their second victory to secure qualification as the runners-up in Group L. To do so, they could repeat the same approach they used against England. However, their main challenge will be in attack, as being efficient on the counterattack will be vital if they are to score. With this in mind, Antoine Semenyo will need to shine in the attacking department. Considering this, Ghana will play as follows: Benjamin Asare; Marvin Senaya, Jonas Adjetey, Derrick Luckassen, Gideon Mensah; Thomas Partey, Elisha Owusu, Kwasi Sibo; Kamaldeen Sulemana, Jordan Ayew, Antoine Semenyo.
What is Panama’s current FIFA ranking ahead of its 2026 World Cup match vs Croatia?
Panama have managed to build a successful project ahead of the 2026 World Cup. However, they were defeated by Ghana in their debut. After that, they have lost some positions in the FIFA Men’s World Ranking ahead of the match against Croatia. Panama have returned to a World Cup after eight years of absence. Head coach Thomas Christiansen has managed to impose an offensive approach based on counterattacks and possession. Nonetheless, they were defeated by Ghana in a last-minute goal, compromising their future in the tournament. After that, they have lost some positions in the FIFA Men’s World Ranking ahead of the match against Croatia. Ahead of today’s clash, Panama are ranked 40th spot with 1505.33 points, as per FIFA Men’s World Ranking. Due to their lost, they lost six spots, being one of the most affected national teams in the ranking. Under Thomas Christiansen, they have managed to make a generational transition. However, they have yet to match their highest-ever ranking, which was 29th on August of 1995. Despite their boost of competitiveness, Panamá remain the second lowest-ranked national team in their group at the 2026 World Cup. Croatia are ranked 15th spot with 1,695.21 points. Ghana hold the 65th spot with 1380.71 points. Finally, England remain the highest-ranked national team in the group, holding the 4th spot with 1847.68 points. Thomas Christiansen has managed to turn Panama into one of the strongest teams in CONCACAF. With Amir Murillo and César Blackman, they aim to exploit the space behind Croatia’s defensive line. However, they could struggle to make an impact in front of goal, as they rely heavily on Cecilio Waterman and José Luis Rodríguez, especially with Joško Gvardiol and Luka Vušković standing out for their defensive solidity. Cristian Martinez #6 of Panama shoots at goal while Gideon Mensah #14 of Ghana attempts to block. Panama must solve scoring issues to challenge Croatia Although not a top contender for the 2026 World Cup, Panama could still surprise Croatia. While Thomas Christiansen does not have midfield superiority in terms of individual quality, the team uses a five-man defensive line to launch efficient counterattacks, while also building long possessions. In that phase, they can do real damage to their opponents, but they face a key issue that must be resolved: Their lack of scoring efficiency. Unlike Croatia, they do not have forwards playing in Europe’s top leagues. Cecilio Waterman is the usual starter for the head coach and plays for U. de Concepción in Chile. Alongside him, José Fajardo, Tomás Rodríguez, and Azarías Londoño complete the forward options. However, none of them arrive in peak form for Panama, which could prove costly. As a result, they will need a standout performance, as they require at least a draw.
Is Harry Kane playing? England vs Ghana confirmed lineups for the 2026 World Cup Group L game
England is clashing against Ghana in the 2026 World Cup, with Harry Kane's presence in the game being one of the main questions among fans. England and Ghana will battle on Tuesday, June 23, in a high-stakes Matchday 2 Group L showdown at the 2026 World Cup at Boston Stadium in Foxborough. With a coveted ticket to the Round of 32 hanging in the balance, whether superstar captain Harry Kane would anchor the Three Lions’ attack stood as the focal point for fans arriving at the venue. Kane is officially locked into the starting XI and will spearhead the English frontline against Ghana. The lethal Bayern Munich striker played all 90 minutes of England’s thrilling 4-2 opening victory over Croatia, netting a crucial brace and proving his peak physical fitness across subsequent training sessions this week. Both nations currently sit tied atop the Group L standings after securing maximum points in their respective tournament openers. A victory for either squad on Tuesday afternoon would mathematically punch their ticket to the World Cup knockout stage, though securing the group’s absolute top seed will remain unresolved until Matchday 3 concludes. England treats fans to an offensive clinic during their tournament debut, exploding in the second half to break open what had been a tense 2-2 halftime deadlock with Croatia. Meanwhile, Ghana displayed immense defensive resilience and ultimate clutch execution by grinding out a narrow 1-0 victory over Panama courtesy of a dramatic 95th-minute winner. Harry Kane #9 of England scores a penalty against Croatia. Thomas Partey returns to Ghana’s starting lineup In a massive tactical boost for the Black Stars, veteran midfielder Thomas Partey has officially returned to the starting lineup to face England. The midfield anchor was a glaring omission from Ghana’s tournament-opening squad against Panama due to an off-pitch hurdle rather than physical injury. Partey was barred from entering Canada for that opening match in Toronto due to a high-profile legal dispute regarding his visa application. While the Ghanaian government publicly labeled the restriction unfair, Canadian federal authorities rigidly upheld their immigration laws, forcing the midfielder to remain at the team’s U.S. base camp until the tournament shifted back south of the border. Confirmed lineups for England and Ghana England’s confirmed lineup (4-2-3-1): Jordan Pickford; Reece James, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi, Djed Spence; Elliot Anderson, Declan Rice; Noni Madueke, Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon; Harry Kane.Head coach: Thomas Tuchel. Ghana’s confirmed lineup (4-3-3): Benjamin Asare; Marvin Senaya, Jonas Adjei Adjetey, Jerome Opoku, Gideon Mensah; Caleb Yirenkyi, Thomas Partey, Kwasi Sibo; Inaki Williams, Jordan Ayew, Antoine Semenyo.Head coach: Carlos Queiroz.