Kyei Manu 
Story By; Kyei Manu
Coach for Croatia, Zlatko Dalic has made his confessions about playing Ghana in the 2026 FIFA World Cup after his side found themselves in the same group with Ghana.
In a FIFA World Cup draw held on December 5th, 2025 in Washington DC, USA, coach Dalic admitted that, though it will be difficult to play Ghana in the world cup but he care less about them (Ghana).
The two countries will face each other in the final group group L games of the global showpiece to be hosted by the USA. Canada and Mexico next year.
After a beautifully held draw attended by President Donald Trump, the Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and president of Mexico, the coach was asked in a media interview about how well he knows the Black Stars. Zlatko admitted that the Black Stars are a well known side, having even played alongside “my friend” Asamoah Gyan in Al-Aine in the past.
“I know my friend Asamoah Gyan, he played with me when I was at Al Aine.”
He added that it will be tough playing Ghana in group L because they add strength and fastness to their game.
“I know it will be a very tough game, especially [because the] Ghana team is very strong, very fast. It won’t be easy for us, but we care less about Ghana.”
He, however, indicated that, they will take each game step-by-step in order to make it out of the group just as Ghana will have the same “goal”.
“Our goal, our target is to give step by step, not busy. Maybe, it will be a little easy because it is the third game in the group stage but full respect to the Ghana team. I know it will not be an easy match.”
Meanwhile, Croatia will open their campaign against England on Wednesday, June 17 before taking on Panama in their second game and play their final group game against the Black Stars on Saturday, June 27.
However, coach Zlatko further admitted on the other countries especially England in the World Cup Draw: “From the first pot we got one of the toughest national teams, England. It’s a bit unfortunate that we’re playing them in the opening match, which is the most important one because it sets the tone at the start.
We’ll have to be ready for that match. Panama and Ghana are opponents we can play against and achieve a good result. We will scout them well.”
Coach Zlatko, led Croatia which is been captained by Luca Modric to place 2nd in the 2018 FIFA World Cup held in Russia.
